Working smoke alarms save family

Firefighters are highlighting the importance of having working smoke alarms after a family of four were alerted to a kitchen fire in the night in Southminster. 

Crews were called to a house fire in Woodside, Southminster at 2:47am. 

On arrival, crews reported the downstairs of the house was heavily smoke logged and found a fire in a kitchen. 

Firefighters believe the fire was caused by an electrical fault in a fridge freezer. 

Watch Manager Jon Vincent from Burnham Fire Station said: “This incident highlights the importance of working smoke alarms. They alerted this family to a fire and they immediately evacuated the property with their children and called the fire service.

“Crews worked very quickly to extinguish the fire from spreading to the rest of the property. 

“If you or someone you know doesn’t have working smoke alarms at home, we can fit them for free during a free home fire safety visit. Search Essex Fire Book to book your visit.”