Smoke alarm alerts neighbours to flat fire
A smoke alarm helped to alert our crews to an incident in a second-floor flat in Westcliff after a pan was left unattended on a hob.
Firefighters were called at 2.26pm this afternoon, when neighbours heard a smoke alarm and noticed smoke coming from the flat.
On arrival, crews detected a strong smell of burning. They used a 13.5-metre ladder to access the property through an open second-floor window.
Once inside, they removed the pan from the hob and used a high-powered fan to clear smoke from the flat.
The fire was extinguished by 3.14pm. Crews reassured residents of the 12 flats and explained how to book a free home safety visit, where we can provide and fit smoke alarms free of charge. You can book your visit here
Marc Kyprianou, Watch Manager at Southend Fire Station, said: “This incident highlights how smoke alarms can alert neighbours and passers-by to a fire in your home even when you’re out.
"We’re urging Essex residents to make sure they have at least one working smoke alarm on every level of their homes, and to test them at least once a month.”
He added: “Cooking is one of the major causes of fires at home. So it’s really important to remember - if you need to leave the room while cooking, take the pans off the heat or turn them down. When you’re finished, please double check the cooker is off.”
Cooking fire safety advice:
- Keep matches and saucepan handles well out of reach to keep them safe
- Avoid leaving children alone in the kitchen while cooking
- Take care if you need to leave the kitchen while cooking. Take pans off the heat or turn them down
- Make sure saucepan handles don’t stick out – so they don’t get knocked off the stove
- Take care if you’re wearing loose clothing – this can easily catch fire
- Keep tea towels and cloths away from the cooker and hob
- Double check the cooker is off when you’ve finished cooking
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