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:
"The homeowner was going out for the evening and had been using curling tongs which she'd forgotten to turn off.
"The curling tongs eventually set fire to the surface they'd been left on.
"Unfortunately there were no smoke alarms so it wasn't until a passerby noticed smoke that we were called to the house.
"When you're using curling tongs or straightening irons make sure you put them on a heatproof mat and check they've been turned off when you're finished with them.
"And of course, make sure you have working smoke alarms on every level of your home. It will alert you or anyone nearby to the first sign of fire."
The house has been left with both fire and smoke damage.
Do you have working smoke alarms?
The property affected by this fire did not have working smoke alarms. Do you have at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home and test your smoke alarms regularly?
If you or someone you know hasn't got working smoke alarms at home, did you know we can fit them for free?
Please get in touch with our home fire safety team by calling 0300 303 0088 or by visiting essex-fire.gov.uk/book.
