Fire started by cigarette leaves nine people homeless in Essex
Neighbours receive safety advice after fire incident
A fire started by a lit cigarette has left nine people homeless in Westcliff.
Three fire crews were called to a flat just before 8am on Thursday (14 May), where they found a fire in a downstairs bedroom and smoke alarms sounding.
While four people managed to escape safely, firefighters rescued five others from the property.
Crews extinguished the fire by 8:23am, and they believe it was accidentally caused by a lit cigarette.
Due to heavy smoke damage, nine occupants are temporarily homeless.
In response to the incident, firefighters from Leigh Fire Station have been visiting neighbouring homes, providing safety advice and ensuring smoke alarms are functioning correctly.
Watch Manager Grant Jones from Leigh Fire Station highlighted the importance of smoke alarms, saying:
"Every house fire we go to goes back to that age-old message of making sure you have working smoke alarms at home. They really are so important to give you an early indication to a fire and to give you a chance to escape safely."
He also mentioned the availability of free smoke alarm installation for Essex residents:
"Did you know we can fit free smoke alarms for residents in Essex for anyone that needs them? Please get in touch with our team by searching 'Essex Fire Book' and give you and your family peace of mind with working smoke alarms."