Curling tongs cause bedroom fire

Crews were called to the property in Lime Walk, Chelmsford, yesterday evening (Saturday 19 November) after a passerby noticed smoke coming from inside and called 999.

On arrival, firefighters forced their way in and found a fire in the first-floor bedroom. They quickly worked to surround the fire and extinguish it.

Crews also discovered a dog in the house which they safely rescued.

Watch Manager Simon Beardsley, Chelmsford Fire Station, said:

Fire at agricultural site

Crews were called to reports of a fire at an agricultural site in Folly Chase, Hockley, this evening (Sunday 20 November).

Initial reports warned a number of gas cylinders may be in the area affected by fire, and therefore further fire crews were requested for support. 

Station Manager Steve Osborn said:

"The fire started after a heating system exploded and set alight to around 25% of a greenhouse building.

Colchester Fire Station

Colchester is a wholetime fire station, which means firefighters are based at the station 24/7.

A typical day for a wholetime firefighter may involve attending fire incidents. As well as working alongside other emergency services and dealing with many types of emergencies; road, rail or air crashes, floods, chemical spills or rescuing people and animals trapped in other circumstances.

Tumble dryer fire

Crews were called to a house in High Street, Roydon, in the early hours of this morning (Wednesday 23 November) after a couple realised there was a fire at the back of their home. 

The fire had started from a tumble dryer, which was located in an outside cupboard, and then spread to the back of the house and the roof. 

Firefighters worked to bring the fire under control and extinguished it by 1.35am. 

Watch Manager Mark Curtis, Harlow Fire Station, said:

Flat fire: young family left homeless

A young family have been left temporarily homeless after a flat fire in Colchester.

We were called to a first floor flat in William's Walk today at 10.27am and crews from Colchester and Wivenhoe attended.

The flat was completely smoke-logged but firefighters quickly extinguished the fire and ventilated the property. They also evacuated adjoining flats until it was safe for the residents to return.

A woman and her young child managed to get out of the flat before crews arrived. They suffered mild smoke inhalation, but their dog sadly could not be resuscitated.

Road traffic collision

Firefighters were called to the Eastbound A120, near to the junction for Colne Road, following reports of a road traffic collision. 

On arrival firefighters reported that three vehicles were involved; including one car which was on its side.

Firefighters worked to release two casualties from their vehicles and left them in the care of the Ambulance Service at 5.50pm.

Chimney fire

Firefighters are encouraging residents to make sure chimneys are swept at least once a year following a chimney fire in Clacton.

Crews were called to a chimney fire in Old Road, Clacton at 9:15am.

On arrival, crews reported that there was a fire in a chimney stack.

Using chimney rods and a stirrup pump, crews worked to unblock a build-up of soot.

Firefighters extinguished the fire by 9:44am.