Smoke alarms alert residents to roof fire

Firefighters are highlighting the importance of having working smoke alarms after a family was alerted to a roof fire when they heard their smoke alarms going off in Bulphan.

Crews were called to a fire in a detached house in Bulphan at 7:30pm.

The property was heavily smoke logged with a fire in the roof. Crews requested further assistance from two crews at Basildon and Brentwood as well as an Aerial Ladder Platform from Grays Fire Station.

Crews extinguished the fire by 9:42pm. An investigation will be carried out to determine the cause of the fire.

A family of five had escaped the property when their smoke alarms went off and they could smell smoke.

Station Manager Syd Barrett, Incident Commander, said: “This incident really highlights why it’s so important to have working smoke alarms in your home.

“Working smoke alarms save lives. We recommend you have one on every level of your home and that you test them regularly.”

Do you have working smoke alarms in your home?

Smoke alarms save lives. They can alert your family as well as your neighbours and passers-by to a fire in your home if you're not home.

If you or someone you know doesn’t have working smoke alarms, please get in touch. Visit essex-fire.gov.uk/book or call 0300 303 0088.