Dogs and guinea pigs rescued after neighbours report smoke alarms going off

Firefighters rescued two dogs and four guinea pigs from a smoke filled property in Pitsea today after neighbours called us when they heard smoke alarms going off.

Crews were called to Broomfields, Pitsea at 1:13pm to reports that smoke alarms were going off and the neighbours could smell smoke.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the smoke filled house and found a pan on fire on the hob.

Crews extinguished the fire by 1:32pm and ventilated the property.

Firefighters found two dogs and four guinea pigs in the property and took them all outside for fresh air.

All animals were unharmed.

Crew Manager Marc Kyprianou from Basildon Fire Station said: “We’d like to thank the neighbours for calling us today, their quick call when they heard smoke alarms meant we were able to safely rescue the animals inside and prevent the fire spreading.

“If you hear smoke alarms going off, please do not ignore them. Act quickly to call us so we can get there as quickly as we can, it could save a life!”

Do you have working smoke alarms at home?

This month, we're encouraging all residents to make sure they have enough working smoke alarms at home. 

We recommend you have at least one working smoke alarm on every level of your home. Test them regularly.

Smoke alarms are proven life savers. They will alert you, neighbours or passers-by to the first sign of fire, giving everyone in the property the time they need to get out safely call the fire service.

If you or someone you know doesn't have working smoke alarms at home, please get in touch with our Home Fire Safety team who can fit them for free. Click the link below for more information.