Firefighters are urging the public to take extra care when disposing of smoking materials after a discarded cigarette caused a fire at a sheltered accommodation property in Southend this morning.
Crews from Southend Fire Station were called shortly after an automatic fire alarm was triggered at a property near Maple Square. Upon entering the building, firefighters discovered a fire in one of the flats and successfully rescued one person from the scene.
Crew Manager Ricky Jones, who led the response, highlighted the growing concern surrounding carelessly discarded cigarettes.
“This is the second incident we have attended this week where a cigarette which hasn’t been discarded properly has started a fire. Luckily the property had working smoke alarms which notified people to call us,” he said.
“We’re urging smokers to make sure their cigarettes are properly extinguished, especially if smoking indoors. A lit cigarette can cause fires which can spread quickly. Fortunately, the fire was contained to the armchair, but any longer and it would have started spreading.”
Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, which was limited to the immediate area, preventing further damage to the property and avoiding harm to other residents.
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service is reminding all residents, especially those in communal or sheltered housing, to regularly test smoke alarms and dispose of smoking materials safely.
For advice on fire safety in the home, residents are encouraged to visit the official Essex Fire and Rescue website or book a free home safety visit.
