A devastating house fire broke out in Benfleet this afternoon, leaving two people homeless and tragically claiming the lives of two pets.
Firefighters were called to the scene after smoke was spotted coming from a window. Crews acted swiftly to contain the blaze, preventing it from spreading further and ventilating both the affected home and a neighbouring property.
Investigators believe the fire was caused by an electrical appliance, likely an air fryer left on standby.
Fire Safety Reminders
Following the incident, fire officers have issued an urgent safety reminder to help prevent similar tragedies:
Ensure you have working smoke alarms on every level of your home.
Keep doors closed to slow the spread of fire in case of an emergency.
Turn appliances off properly after use—avoid leaving them on standby.
A fire service spokesperson said:
“This is a tragic incident that serves as an important reminder of fire safety in the home. Small actions like turning off appliances and keeping doors closed can make a significant difference in preventing fires and protecting lives.”
Emergency services have reassured the local community that fire safety advice and support are available for those concerned about their own home safety.
For more information on fire safety, visit your local fire service website or contact them directly.
