Neighbours raise alarm after flat fire

Crews extinguished a fire in a flat in Laindon and rescued a dog after a neighbour raised the alarm.

Firefighters from Basildon were called to Wimbourne today (Wednesday 11 May) at 5.55am after a resident heard a smoke alarm in a neighbouring ground floor flat - and their own carbon monoxide alarm was also sounding 

When crews arrived, they could smell smoke and feel heat on the neighbouring flat's door.

They forced entry, extinguished a fire in the kitchen and used a fan to clear the smoke.

Crews also rescued a dog from the flat, as the owners were out at the time. The fire was fully extinguished by 6.46am.

It is believed the fire was caused by an electrical fault with a fridge/freezer and spread to cardboard and cereal boxes on top of it.

The flat was completely filled with smoke, although fire and heat damage was limited to the kitchen.

Do you have working smoke alarms?

This incident highlights the importance of smoke alarms. We recommend you have at least one working smoke alarm on every level of your home to keep you and your family safe.

You can book a free Home Fire Safety visit by either popping into your local fire station, calling 0300 303 0088 or booking a visit online at essex-fire.gov.uk/book