Fire below block of flats

Crews were called to a block of flats in Harlow last night after reports of a fire in a communal area. 

On arrival firefighters reported there was a large fire in a bin storage area which was directly under the block of flats. 

Incident Commander Toby Ingham said:

"The smoke from the fire had travelled upwards via the bin chutes into the landing areas of all floors. 

"Our crews, along with brilliant support from Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service's crews, worked hard to swiftly extinguish the fire by 7.45pm. Firefighters then fully checked the whole building for any fire spread. Thankfully there was no fire spread and we took time to reassure distressed occupants. 

"We then ventilated the building, reset fire safety systems and allowed occupants to return to their homes."

Officers will now carry out an investigation into the cause of the fire.