Crews fit smoke alarms after kitchen fire

Crews have issued safety advice after they attended a fire at a flat which did not have smoke alarms.

We were called to a ground floor property in Springfield, Chelmsford today (Sunday 7 September) at 5.30pm and two crews from Chelmsford attended.

Although the fire was extinguished by 5.58pm, the damage means the family of three have been left temporarily homeless.

Watch Manager Mark Curtis said: "Thankfully the occupants noticed the fire and were able to get out unharmed, but smoke alarms provide an early warning.

"The incident is a reminder of how important smoke alarms are. Get in touch if you don't have smoke alarms or know someone who doesn't."

Crews visited flats in the street to make sure residents had working smoke alarms.

Call 0300 303 0088 to book a home fire safety visit or go to essex-fire.gov.uk/smoke-alarms.

The fire was caused by a toaster and has been recorded as accidental.