Refuse collectors call 999 after hearing smoke alarm

Firefighters are urging people to make sure they have working smoke alarms after one potentially saved a woman’s life. 

Refuse collectors were outside a terraced property in Grange Road, Dovercourt, today at 6.42am when they heard a smoke alarm going off inside and called 999.

Shortly before crews arrived, a woman escaped from a ground floor window.

Firefighters found a well-developed fire in the lounge and the whole property was heavily smoke logged. 

Crew Manager Tom Jewell said: "Our firefighters worked hard to surround the fire, which was spreading quickly, before extinguishing it and ventilating the property. 

“This incident highlights just how important smoke alarms are. Event if it doesn’t alert you, it will let others who are nearby know there is potentially an emergency and to call 999. 

“Without a doubt it’s the best way you can protect your life from fire.

“The fire and smoke in this property spread very quickly because all internal doors were open; it’s important to close doors to all rooms when you’re not using them as it will help stop the spread of any potential fire.”

The woman was left in the care of the Ambulance Service. 

It is believed the fire was caused by a charger overheating.