Fire Service urges smokers to book home fire safety visits

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service is asking anyone who smokes at home to book a free home fire safety visit to help them stay safe at home following a fatal fire on Friday. 

The appeal comes after a man died in a flat fire in Baxter Avenue, Southend on Friday 11 April. An investigation to determine the cause of the fire found it was started by smoking materials. 

Smoking-related fires remain one of the leading causes of fatal house fires. A Home Safety Visit provides valuable advice and potential safety measures to help prevent accidents and keep people safe in their homes.

Claire Monk, Live Safe Manager, said:
“Our thoughts go out to the man’s loved ones and serve as a reminder on how easily a fire can start when smoking at home. 

“We understand that smoking is a personal choice, and we’re not here to pressure anyone into quitting. However, small changes, like using proper ashtrays, making sure you have working smoke alarms, and identifying fire risks, can make a huge difference in preventing fires and keeping people safe. If you have a loved one who smokes, particularly if they live alone, please consider referring them for a Home Safety Visit. It could save their life.”

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service offers these visits free of charge, ensuring that the most vulnerable members of the community have access to the support and resources they need to stay safe.

To refer someone for a Home Safety Visit, visit www.essex-fire.gov.uk/online.

Notes to editors: 

Claire Monk is available for interviews from Friday 18 April onwards. Please email press@essex-fire.gov.uk to bid for an interview.