Smoking warning after flat fire
Crews have issued safety advice after a flat fire in Burnham was started by a cigarette.
We were called to a ground floor property in Glendale Close today (Tuesday 16 July) at 2.12am.
Watch Manager Jon Vincent said: "The occupant had put his cigarette in an ash tray next his armchair when he got up to go to the kitchen.
"Unfortunately, because the ash try was overflowing and cigarette was not properly extinguished, it set the armchair alight.
"Thankfully he noticed the fire, got out safely, along with his dog, and called 999."
Crews from Burnham and South Woodham Ferrers attended, got into the flat quickly and extinguished the fire. They also gave the occupant oxygen and used a high pressure fan to clear the smoke.
They limited fire damage to the lounge but smoke spread throughout the property, because the internal doors were not closed.
The fire was extinguished by 3.18am and crews remained at the scene until 4.20am.
Watch Manager Vincent said: "The occupant did exactly the right thing by getting out quickly, calling 999 and staying out, allowing our crews to do a really professional job.
"If you’re a smoker or you know someone who is, we’d urge you to follow our advice.
"Make sure your cigarette is completely extinguished before you dispose of it and empty your ash trays regularly to stop ash building up."
Smoking: staying safe
If you're a smoker or you have a smoker living in your house, make sure you follow our advice to stay safe.
- When you're finished, make sure your cigarette is fully extinguished
- Take extra care when you’re tired, taking any kind of drugs or if you have been drinking alcohol
- Never smoke in bed, it's very easy to fall asleep while your cigarette is burning
- Don't leave lit cigarettes unattended - they can easily overbalance as they burn down
- Use a proper, heavy ashtray that can’t tip over easily and is made of a material that won’t burn
- Never tap your ash into a wastebasket containing other rubbish
- Use child safe matches or cigarette lighters and keep them safely out of the reach of children
Could you be an on-call firefighter?
Firefighters from Burnham and South Woodham Ferrers that attended this incident are on-call firefighters. They live or work within 5 minutes of the fire station and are paid to protect their community.
If you live or work within 5 minutes of an on-call fire station, you could be an on-call firefighter too.
Find out more about the role and how to apply here.
