Smoke alarm alerts Basildon resident to kitchen fire

Firefighters were called to a home in Basildon following a kitchen fire caused by cooking on the hob.

Crews found that the fire had spread to the kitchen’s extractor hood, which was damaged by fire. Before calling 999, the occupant acted quickly by removing the pan from the hob and closing the kitchen door, helping to contain the fire.

When crews arrived, they inspected the extractor hood using a thermal imaging camera to make sure the fire was fully extinguished. They also ventilated smoke from a first-floor bedroom located above the kitchen.

Temporary Watch Manager Marc Kyprianou said
“This incident is a timely reminder to never leave cooking unattended and to always have working smoke alarms in your home. In this case, the home’s smoke alarm alerted the occupant, who was able to act quickly and call 999.

“We also fitted a smoke alarm during our visit to make sure the home remains protected. If you or someone you know doesn’t have working smoke alarms, please get in touch and book a Home Safety Visit. We provide and fit smoke alarms for free.”

We recommend having at least one working smoke alarm on every level of your home and testing them at least once a month.

Visit essex-fire.gov.uk/book or call 0300 303 0088 to arrange a free Home Safety Visit.