Discarded Cigarette Sparks Fire at Southend Sheltered Housing – Firefighters Urge Caution
Blaze Ignited by Careless Cigarette
Firefighters raced to a Southend sheltered accommodation this morning after a discarded cigarette started a fire near Maple Square. Crews from Southend Fire Station responded swiftly to an automatic fire alarm and found a fire blazing in one of the flats.
They managed to rescue one person from the scene before bringing the fire under control. The blaze was thankfully contained to an armchair, preventing it from spreading throughout the property.
Warning Issued Over Smouldering Cigarettes
Crew Manager Ricky Jones, who led the operation, warned this was the second cigarette-related fire this week. He said:
“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.”
“We’re urging smokers to make sure their cigarettes are properly extinguished, especially if smoking indoors. A lit cigarette can cause fires which spread quickly. Fortunately, the fire was contained to the armchair, but any longer and it would have started spreading.”
Fire Safety Reminders for Residents
- Test smoke alarms regularly, especially in communal and sheltered housing.
- Dispose of cigarettes safely and never flick lit butts into bins or outdoor areas where they can ignite.
- Contact Essex Fire and Rescue Service for free home safety visits and fire advice.
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service is reminding all residents to stay vigilant. For free fire safety advice, visit the official Essex Fire and Rescue website.
