Cigarette causes bedroom fire

Firefighters have given smoking safety advice after a discarded cigarette caused a bedroom fire in Great Chesterford last night.

Crews were called to a bungalow fire in Stanley Road at 10:24 when residents heard their smoke alarms going off.

On arrival, crews reported a bedroom in a bungalow was heavily smoke logged. 

Firefighters wearing Breathing Apparatus entered the bungalow to extinguish the fire and ventilate the property.

Crews believe the fire was caused by a discarded cigarette that caught bedding alight. 

Crew Manager Mark Curtis from Saffron Walden Fire Station said: “If you’re a smoker, please make sure all cigarettes are properly stubbed out. It only takes an ember from a lit cigarette to catch something alight.

“Thankfully, the residents had working smoke alarms which alerted them to the fire. They also had the bedroom door closed which helped to prevent the fire and smoke from spreading throughout the property. 

“If you or someone you know doesn’t have working smoke alarms at home, we can fit them for free. Please get in touch with our team to book a home fire safety visit.”