Crews issue smoke alarm reminder after house fire

Firefighters have isssued a reminder of the importance of having working smoke alarms, as well as keeping cooker hobs clear, after a kitchen fire.

Essex Fire and Rescue Service was called to a property in Rainsford Road in Chelmsford, just after 12:00 BST on Saturday,

Fire crews found a cardboard box had been left on a hob, which had been left on, causing a fire that spread through the kitchen.

No-one was injured but the kitchen was badly damaged and the whole house had filled with smoke.

Station manager Scott Fretton said: "The occupants were upstairs when they smelt the smoke and did the right thing when they discovered the fire: they got out, called 999 and stayed out.

"The incident is a reminder to make sure your hob is clear when it is not being used, just in case it is left on or turned on accidentally.

"It also highlights the importance of having working smoke alarms; they act as a vital early warning of fire and keep you and your family safe."

Crews fitted smoke alarms before leaving the property just after 13: 00 BST.

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