Woman rescued after passer-by hears smoke alarms

Firefighters are highlighting the importance of working smoke alarms after a woman was rescued from a bungalow fire when a passer-by heard smoke alarms going off.

Crews were called to a bungalow fire in Spalding Close, Braintree just after midnight.

The passer-by had also flagged down a police car after calling us and police officers bravely entered the smoke logged property to rescue a woman.

She was left in the care of the Ambulance Service.

When crews arrived, they reported that the kitchen was heavily smoke logged with a fire coming from the grill.

Firefighters extinguished the fire by 12:43am.

Crews wearing breathing apparatus searched the property for the woman’s two cats, they were both found unharmed.

Firefighter Claire Speed from Braintree Fire Station said: “This incident highlights why it’s so important to have working smoke alarms at home. They don’t just alert you to a fire, they also alert neighbours and anyone passing by. If for any reason you can’t hear them, they can alert others to call for help.

“Please make sure you have at least one working smoke alarm on every level of your home. If you or someone you know hasn’t got smoke alarms, we can fit them for free. Get in touch at www.essex-fire.gov.uk/book or call 0300 303 0088.”