Tumble dryer fire - no working smoke alarms
Firefighters are highlighting the importance of working smoke alarms after attending a flat fire where there were no working smoke alarms.
Crews were called to a flat fire in Nayland Road, Colchester at 10:43pm last night.
On arrival, firefighters reported there was a fire in a kitchen of a first floor flat.
Firefighters extinguished the fire and believe it was caused by a tumble dryer.
The kitchen was badly fire damaged and the flat was heavily smoke logged leaving it uninhabitable.
Crew Manager Stephen Adamson from Colchester Fire Station said: “Thankfully the residents had been home to notice the fire but it’s really concerning to see people without working smoke alarms at home.
“We can’t emphasise it enough, please make sure you have working smoke alarms at home. They’re your first warning to a fire and can give you time to safely escape your home and call us quickly.
“If you or someone you know doesn’t have any working smoke alarms at home, we can fit them for free. Please get in touch with our team here."
Do you have working smoke alarms at 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 in.
We recommend you have at least one working smoke alarm on every level of your home and that you test them at least once a month.
If you or someone you know doesn’t have working smoke alarms at home, please get in touch with our Service. Visit essex-fire.gov.uk/book or call 0300 303 0088.
