Reminder to test smoke alarms following washing machine fire
Our firefighters are urging people to test their smoke alarms, following an incident in Witham today.
Crews were called to a third floor flat in Silver End at 11am after the resident noticed a burning smell coming from their washing machine.
They switched it off. Firefighters removed the washing machine and made the property safe.
While on scene, crews carried out a home safety check and discovered that the smoke alarms in the flat were not working. New smoke alarms were fitted before they left.
Crew Manager Paul Brazier said: “It’s really important to have smoke alarms, but make sure you test them regularly too. This helps you to know that they are working and ready to their life saving job.”
If you don’t have a smoke alarm, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service will come and fit them for free as a part of a Home Fire Safety Check. You can book a visit here:
We can also remind you to test your smoke alarm by signing up to our monthly newsletter.
Could you be an on-call firefighter?
The firefighters who attended this incident are on-call firefighters who live or work within 5 minutes of an on-call fire station and are paid to protect their local community.
To find out more about the role and how you can apply, visit our on-call recruitment pages.