The homeowner had first been alerted to an issue when his electricity tripped. He reset the fuse board but it quickly tripped again so he decided to investigate further. 

It was at that point he noticed an orange glow coming from behind the door of the utility room, and upon opening it saw three-feet flames coming out the back of the tumble dryer. 

He initially attempted to tackle the fire with a fire extinguisher but realised it was too fierce so closed the door, went outside and called 999. 

On arrival, firefighters were faced with a heavy smoke-logged house and a well-developed fire in the utility room. They worked to extinguish the fire and then used fans to clear the smoke from the house.

Watch Manager Darren Hockley, Wethersfield Fire Station, said:

"The homeowner did the right thing by closing the doors, getting out and calling 999. If you ever discover a fire in your home this is exactly what you should do. 

"This incident raises a few more important safety points that are worth sharing with our public. 

"Firstly, it shows that when your electricity trips it's a warning to you. Don't ignore it. If you don't immediately find the reason for it then arrange for a qualified electrician to check if there is an issue, 

"Secondly, this house only had smoke alarms on the top floor. Although it did go off, the man may have been alerted earlier if there was one on the ground floor too. 

"And finally, it shows why it's so important that you run your appliances, such as dishwashers, tumble dryers and washing machines, while you're awake. If this man had been asleep in bed it may have taken longer for him to discover the fire. You're much more likely to be seriously injured or worse if a fire starts when you are asleep."

The whole house has suffered smoke damage and the utility room has suffered significant fire and smoke damage. 

Could you be an on-call firefighter?

All of the firefighters who attended this incident are on-call firefighters; people who live or work within 5 minutes of the station and are paid to protect their community.

If you live or work within 5 minutes of an on-call fire station, you could be an on-call firefighter too. 

Find out more about the role and how to apply at join.essex-fire.gov.uk/on-call

On arrival, crews confirmed the unit, which measures approximately 150 metres by 50 metres, was completely alight.

Crews worked hard to surround the fire as quickly as possible, including by using an Aerial Ladder Platform to spray water on the building from above.

At 7.30am, two crews remained at the scene dampening down hotspots.

If you live or work nearby, you may notice some smoke this morning - we expect to be at the scene for some time to make the site safe.

With the support of Essex Police, road closures around the industrial estate are in place so please avoid the area if you can and allow extra time travelling on Tuesday morning if you can't. We appreciate your patience while firefighting continues.

An investigation into the cause of the fire found it was caused accidentally.

Could you be an on-call firefighter?

Some of the firefighters who attended this incident are on-call firefighters; people who live or work within 5 minutes of the station and are paid to protect their community.

If you live or work within 5 minutes of an on-call fire station, you could be an on-call firefighter too. 

Find out more about the role and how to apply at join.essex-fire.gov.uk/on-call

Firefighters were called to the fire in Teal Close, Colchester at lunchtime on Sunday. A slow cooker had been put on top of the stove and the hob had accidentally turned on.  

Ian Ryder, Watch Manager at Colchester Fire Station, said:  

“Thankfully everyone in the house escaped unharmed and were alerted to the fire early as they had working smoke alarms that raised the alarm. 

"Using your hob as a storage area or a worktop can be tempting, but please never take the chance.  

"Whether it's washing, tea towels or even items like a slow cooker in this case, it's incredibly easy to accidentally turn your hob on. If that happens and something is on top of it, a kitchen fire is inevitable - so please, keep your hob and oven clean and clear of clutter at all times.” 

Using your cooker as storage 

The fire could have been prevented. Firefighters are recommending people to think twice before using the hob as a storage area – even temporarily, as tempting or convenient as it can appear. 

• Hob and cooker top tips: 
• Never use the hob or cooker as a storage area 
• Keep tea towels and cloths away from the cooker and hob 
• Keep the oven, hob and grill clean, and in good working order – a build-up of fat and grease can ignite a fire 
• Double check the cooker is off when you've finished cooking 

Slow Cookers and Air Fryers 

As the cost of living rises many people are turning to slow cookers and air fryers to cut energy bills. While they can be an efficient alternative to using the oven or hob, the fire service is urging residents to ensure they buy from reputable retailers and the appliances are in good working condition and safety tested. 

Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales are often very tempting, but firefighters are encouraging bargain hunters to beware of the fire risks of buying fake electrical products from unregulated marketplaces such as Amazon, eBay and Wish. It can sometimes be difficult to spot fake goods which pose a fire risk, but buying branded products from a supplier you can trust can help to ensure that the correct safety standards have been met. 

If you are concerned about fire risks in your home or know someone who lives alone or might need a helping hand, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service offer FREE home safety visits to anyone living in Essex. The visit involves simple safety tips to help reduce the risk of fire and they can also provide and fit smoke alarms completely free of charge if they’re needed. To book a visit call 0300 303 0088 or book online: www.essex-fire.gov.uk/book  

When crews arrived at the property, the kitchen was heavily smoke logged. A slow cooker had been placed on the hob - and when the hob was accidentally turned on, the slow cooker caught fire.

Fortunately, smoke alarms sounded and the occupants managed to close the kitchen door to prevent the fire spreading further, before getting out of the property safely.

Ian Ryder, Watch Manager at Colchester Fire Station, said: "Using your hob as a storage area or a worktop can be tempting, but please never take the chance.

"Whether it's washing, tea towels or even items like a slow cooker in this case, it's incredibly easy to accidentally turn your hob on. If that happens and something is on top of it, a kitchen fire is inevitable - so please, keep your hob and oven clean and clear of clutter at all times.

"Thankfully the family in this home did the right thing as soon as they were alerted by their smoke alarm - they got out, stayed out and called the fire service out."

Fortunately, no-one was injured and the damage was restricted to the kitchen.

Stay safe in your home

There's loads more advice on staying safe in your home available by clicking here.

A pan of oil had been left unattended while cooking in the property's kitchen and ignited. When one of the occupants found it alight, they poured water on it in an attempt to extinguish it - creating a fireball.

When crews arrived, the property was filled with smoke. Fortunately no-one was injured.

Andy Edwards, Watch Manager at Chelmsford Fire Station, said: "This incident could easily have been much more serious and ironically came shortly after we'd welcomed Danbury Scout Group to our station and demonstrated exactly what happens when you pour water an oil fire.

"Please, never pour water on a pan fire. If the pan does ignite, turn the heat down if it's safe to do so. If it isn't safe, don't take any risks - get out, stay out and call the fire service out."

The video below is of the chip pan demonstration from Chelmsford Fire Station, earlier on Friday evening.

Stay safe while cooking

If you're planning on cooking with oil, please follow our top tips:

• Take care when cooking with hot oil – it sets alight easily
• Make sure food is dry before putting it in hot oil so it doesn’t splash
• If the oil starts to smoke – it’s too hot.  Turn off the heat and leave it to cool
• Use a thermostat controlled electric deep fat fryer.  They can’t overheat
• If your pan catches fire, turn off the heat if it is safe to do so.  Never throw water over it

You can also find more cooking safety advice on our website here.

Crews were called to a chimney fire in Old Road, Clacton at 9:15am.

On arrival, crews reported that there was a fire in a chimney stack.

Using chimney rods and a stirrup pump, crews worked to unblock a build up of soot.

Firefighters extinguished the fire by 9:44am.

Crew Manager Darren Tappenden from Clacton Fire Station said: “If you have an open fire or log burner, we recommend you have your chimney swept at least once a year - or more regularly if you burn wood.”

Read more chimney safety advice here: https://www.essex-fire.gov.uk/Home_Fire_Safety/Home_Safety_Advice/Chimney/

On arrival firefighters reported that three vehicles were involved; including one car which was on its side.

Firefighters worked to release two casualties from their vehicles and left them in the care of the Ambulance Service at 5.50pm.

Could you be an on-call firefighter?

Some of the firefighters who attended this incident are on-call firefighters; people who live or work within 5 minutes of the station and are paid to protect their community.

If you live or work within 5 minutes of an on-call fire station, you could be an on-call firefighter too. 

Find out more about the role and how to apply at join.essex-fire.gov.uk/on-call

On arrival, firefighters reported that the top cladding of a biomass boiler hopper, which is essentially a furnace full of wood pellets, had caught alight. 

Station Manager Nick Singleton said: 

"My thanks go out to the firefighters who worked really hard to bring the fire under control and extinguish it by 6.30pm.

"We expect to be onsite into the evening as we strip the cladding away and make sure everything is cooled and safe."

Could you be an on-call firefighter?

Some of the firefighters who attended this incident are on-call firefighters; people who live or work within 5 minutes of the station and are paid to protect their community.

If you live or work within 5 minutes of an on-call fire station, you could be an on-call firefighter too. 

Find out more about the role and how to apply at join.essex-fire.gov.uk/on-call

• Turn off any gas appliances
• Open windows and doors to ventilate the property
• Do not use your appliances/open fire/log burner until it has been inspected by a competent tradesperson
• If you feel unwell, call 111 and speak to the NHS
• If you think there is an immediate danger, call the Gas Emergency Helpline on 0800 111 999 or the relevant service for your area
• Call a registered engineer to check all your fuel-burning appliances. To check if an engineer is on the gas safe register visit www.gassaferegister.co.uk

Page last updated 24 November, 2022

We were called to a first floor flat in William's Walk today at 10.27am and crews from Colchester and Wivenhoe attended.

The flat was completely smoke-logged but firefighters quickly extinguished the fire and ventilated the property. They also evacuated adjoining flats until it was safe for the residents to return.

A woman and her young child managed to get out of the flat before crews arrived. They suffered mild smoke inhalation, but their dog sadly could not be resuscitated.

Unfortunately, the extent of the smoke damage means the flat is temporarily uninhabitable.

Crew Manager Brenden Cardy said:  "Thankfully the occupant did exactly the right thing when she noticed the fire; she got out, called 999 and stayed out.

"We believe the fire started in a utility cupboard where a fuse box and fridge-freezer were located.

"The incident serves as a reminder to get your electrics tested regularly and make sure appliances like fridges and freezers have room for air to ventilate behind the appliance.

"I'd like to praise crews for their quick response, hard work and professionalism in difficult circumstances."

Crews left the scene just before 1pm. The cause has been recorded as accidental.

Do you have working smoke alarms?

Do you have at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home and test your smoke alarms regularly?

If you or someone you know hasn't got working smoke alarms at home, did you know we can fit them for free?

Please get in touch with our home fire safety team by calling 0300 303 0088 or by visiting essex-fire.gov.uk/book.

Could you be an on-call firefighter?

Wivenhoe's firefighters are on-call firefighters; they live or work within five minutes of the station and are paid to protect their community.

If you live or work within five minutes of an on-call fire station, you could be an on-call firefighter too. 

Find out more about the role and how to apply at join.essex-fire.gov.uk/on-call

The fire had started from a tumble dryer, which was located in an outside cupboard, and then spread to the back of the house and the roof. 

Firefighters worked to bring the fire under control and extinguished it by 1.35am. 

Watch Manager Mark Curtis, Harlow Fire Station, said:

"We know people run appliances such as tumble dryers, washing machines and dishwashers at night for a number of reasons. It may be because they're busy during the day or think it's cheaper to use electricity at night. 

"But it's simply not worth taking the risk. If you're asleep when a fire starts you're far more likely to be seriously injured or worse. 

"Run these appliances before you go to bed to stay as safe as possible."

Do you have working smoke alarms?

Do you have at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home and test your smoke alarms regularly?

If you or someone you know hasn't got working smoke alarms at home, did you know we can fit them for free?

Please get in touch with our home fire safety team by calling 0300 303 0088 or by visiting essex-fire.gov.uk/book

Crews were called to St Johns Road, Colchester last night (Tuesday 22 November), after a woman called 999 to say she thought there was a fire at her house. 

A neighbour had heard the smoke alarm going off but left it some time before calling the homeowner to tell her. 

On arrival firefighters found that a basket of kindling had caught alight through heat transfer from a log burner. 

Watch Manager Darren Holliday, Colchester Fire Station, said:

"Although the fire had been burning for some time we're lucky that it hadn't spread past the hearth.

"Unfortunately what it did mean is the whole house was full of smoke and has suffered smoke damage. 

"Of course, this isn't the fault of the neighbour, but it's a reminder to take these incidents seriously. 

"My ask to everyone is not to ignore a smoke alarm if you hear it coming from inside another property. If you can safely do so, go and check what's happening. You might see smoke through the windows or the door might be hot to touch. 

"If you're in doubt or you think there's an emergency call 999 straight away."

Using a log burner to keep warm this winter? Follow our chimney safety advice:

• Have your chimney swept at least once a year, or more frequently if you burn wood
• Do not stack fires too high and remember to let them burn down well before you go to bed
• Use a fire or spark guard
• Do not place objects on or over the mantle-piece which may cause you to stand too close to the fire to reach or use them
• Do not place anything flammable, including wood and kindling, too close to the burner
• Inspect your chimney regularly - particularly in the roof space - to ensure that it is sound and that sparks or fumes cannot escape through cracks or broken bricks
• Avoid burning resinous woods as soot builds up quickly. Suitable seasoned timber must be used in all solid fuel stoves
• Buy only suitable fuels. Using the wrong type of fuel on a liner will reduce the life of the liner considerably due to increased corrosion

Do you have working smoke alarms?

Do you have at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home and test your smoke alarms regularly?

If you or someone you know hasn't got working smoke alarms at home, did you know we can fit them for free?

Please get in touch with our home fire safety team by calling 0300 303 0088 or by visiting essex-fire.gov.uk/book.

Initial reports warned a number of gas cylinders may be in the area affected by fire, and therefore further fire crews were requested for support. 

Station Manager Steve Osborn said:

"The fire started after a heating system exploded and set alight to around 25% of a greenhouse building.

"With a large quantity of shattered glass, fire and the possibility of gas cylinders, this was a difficult incident for our crews. But thanks to their hard work and skill, our firefighters quickly surrounded and extinguished the fire and therefore saved other buildings on site.

"Thankfully none of the gas cylinders were involved in the fire so we were able to bring the incident to a close by 8.40pm."

Could you be an on-call firefighter?

Some of the firefighters who attended this incident are on-call firefighters; people who live or work within 5 minutes of the station and are paid to protect their community.

If you live or work within 5 minutes of an on-call fire station, you could be an on-call firefighter too. 

Find out more about the role and how to apply at join.essex-fire.gov.uk/on-call

On arrival, firefighters forced their way in and found a fire in the first-floor bedroom. They quickly worked to surround the fire and extinguish it.

Crews also discovered a dog in the house which they safely rescued.

Watch Manager Simon Beardsley, Chelmsford Fire Station, said:

"The homeowner was going out for the evening and had been using curling tongs which she'd forgotten to turn off. 

"The curling tongs eventually set fire to the surface they'd been left on.

"Unfortunately there were no smoke alarms so it wasn't until a passerby noticed smoke that we were called to the house.

"When you're using curling tongs or straightening irons make sure you put them on a heatproof mat and check they've been turned off when you're finished with them. 

"And of course, make sure you have working smoke alarms on every level of your home. It will alert you or anyone nearby to the first sign of fire."

The house has been left with both fire and smoke damage. 

Do you have working smoke alarms?

The property affected by this fire did not have working smoke alarms. Do you have at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home and test your smoke alarms regularly?

If you or someone you know hasn't got working smoke alarms at home, did you know we can fit them for free?

Please get in touch with our home fire safety team by calling 0300 303 0088 or by visiting essex-fire.gov.uk/book.

When fire crews arrived they found a gas hob had been left on. Crews took readings which found a high level of carbon monoxide inside the property. Firefighters immeditely ventiliated the property and called for an Ambulance for an elderly man living in the house as a precaution.

Group Manager Dan Partridge said: 

"Carbon monoxide is known as a silent killer. You can't see it, smell it or taste it. Which is why it's so important you have working carbon monoxide alarms in your home if you have a gas boiler, gas appliances or an open fire or log burner.

"Thankfully we were notify by the occupants carers this morning. It's not known how long the gas had been left on, but it's possible it could have been on all night, it was good that the carers took action when they did."

What is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas which is produced when fossil fuels burn inefficiently. The most common sources are faulty boilers, gas fires and cookers.

Known as the silent killer, due to its lack of colour, taste and smell, carbon monoxide is invisible to the human senses, which is why CO alarms are so important.

Each year in the UK alone, over 200 people are hospitalised with suspected carbon monoxide poisoning, which leads to around 60 deaths.

Carbon Monoxide alarms

All properties with fuel-burning appliances should have a CO alarm. Whether it’s a gas boiler, a coal fire or a flue running through the room, a CO alarm should be present in each area where a potential CO source may occur.

Carbon monoxide can be bought from a number of retailers including your local supermarket and DIY store.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service is giving its top tips to make sure your vehicle is safe to use on the road.

This week, the Service is joining forces with road safety experts nationally for Brake’s Road Safety Week.

The theme for this year’s campaign is: Safe roads for all.

The Service has its own team, Fleet Workshops, that makes sure its own vehicles are safe to drive.

The team at Fleet Workshops has given their top tips to help make sure your vehicle is safe for the roads.

Tom Reed, Engineer at Fleet Workshops, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said: “It's everyone's responsibility to keep their own vehicles safe and my top tips would be:

“Check your tyres regularly - once a week - with a tread depth gauge. 1.6 mm is the legal limit across three

quarters of the width of the tyre.

“You should also be checking the tyre pressure is to the manufacturer's standard, which is normally in your handbook.

“By checking your tyres regularly you can actually save money on keeping them pumped up.”

Tom’s next tip is to checki under the bonnet weekly to make sure you have enough oil, anti-freeze, screen wash etc.

“Make sure all your lights are working so you can see and be seen,” says Tom.

“Keep an eye on your dash for any warning lights and if there are any, get yourself to a workshop to get them checked out.”

With winter approaching, Tom also advises keeping a blanket, a hi-vis, some snacks and water and a phone charger in the vehicle in case you break down.

“Make sure your phone charger is in good condition and no bare wires are on show,” says Tom.

Tom and his team recommend you do these checks once a week as well as having your vehicle MOT’d and serviced yearly to help keep yourself and other road users safe.

For more safety advice, visit: www.essex-fire.gov.uk

Page last updated 16 November, 2022

When the first fire crews arrived, they reported the first floor of the house was full of smoke and a bedroom was engulfed in flames. The fire has also spread to the roof.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the property and extinguished the blaze.

Watch Manager Martin Cable, Maldon Fire Station, said:

"This fire has caused extensive damage to the house and the occupants will not be able to live there for some time - there is a lot of damage to repair.

"The fire started in the bedroom where a vape, which was plugged into a charger, was left on the bed unattended. The vape overheated and caught the bedding and mattress alight. The fire then spread around the bedroom.

"Incidents like this show how important it is to think about how you should charge your electrical items safely. We advise that you only use a reputable charger, and not a cheap alterntive which are often not tested or conform to safety standards. We also urge people not to leave any electrical items charging unattended and to place the items on a fire resistant surface, not a bed or sofa which are much more flammable."

The spill was contained to the plant room. Fire crews investigating the spill found it was a mixture of two common swimming pool chemicals which had temporarily produced a strong smell and fumes. Fire crews ensured the area was ventilated and are currently working to safely handover the incident to the on-site staff.

Two members of staff were left in the care of the Ambulance Service as a precaution after inhaling the fumes.

The firefighters first on the scene reported the first floor of the property was full of smoke. Thankfully the occupants were safely outside when the crews arrived. The fire was found in the airing cupboard. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus quickly extinguished the fire before the fire could spread to the rest of the cottage. Fire crews then ventilated the property to clear the smoke.

Watch Manager Dave Farrant, Tollesbury Fire Station said:

"Although the house suffered smoke damage this family was extremely lucky. The property did not have any working smoke alarms and were only alerted to the fire once the electricity tripped out. Thankfully they got outside safely before we arrived.

"Once the firefighters had finished at the property, they went door to door in the surrounding area to check everyone else had working smoke alarms. We fitted quite a few this morning to properties without smoke alarms. 

"We provide and fit smoke alarms completely free of charge, so I would urge anyone reading this to get in touch with us if they know they don't have working smoke alarms. It's really easy, you can book online: http://www.essex-fire.gov.uk/book  or call us on 0300 303 0088."

Working to keep people safe on Essex roads is a priority for the Service. It’s not just fires the Service attends, rescuing people involved in road traffic collisions is a big part of the Fire Service’s role. ECFRS has a dedicated Road and Water Safety team working to promote road and water safety.

Next week, the Service will be joining forces with road safety experts nationally for Brake’s Road Safety Week.

The theme for this year’s campaign is: Safe roads for all.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service will be sharing advice to help make sure your vehicle is safe for the roads and tips on how to stay safe while using Essex roads.

On Wednesday 16 November, the Road and Water Safety team will be at the University of Essex Colchester campus to talk to students about bike safety, wearing bright/reflective colours) and fitting reflective bike spokes.

On Thursday 17 November, the team will be giving road safety advice in Southend High Street. Come and chat to the team to see what you can do to make our roads safe for all.

Andrea MacAlister, Road Safety Manager at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said: “Everybody can play their role in making our roads safer, no matter what journey you are making.

“Every day, emergency services across the country attend road collisions.  The four biggest dangers while driving are identified as the fatal four; not wearing seatbelts, using a mobile while driving, driving while under the influence of drink or drugs and inappropriate speed.

“However, those of us who consider ourselves safe drivers can also take steps to be safer as we head into winter.  With darker evenings, we can all adjust to make ourselves and others safer.  We’d ask you to make sure your vehicle is roadworthy and ready for winter before you set off.  It’s a good time to check tyres; especially the tread depth of your existing tyres. The legal limit is 1.6mm, but having more than this can dramatically improve steering and braking. 

“Cyclists and pedestrians - Be Safe, Be Seen.  If you’re out on your bike, please make sure you have lights on the front and back of your bike and you’re wearing a hi-vis or lighter coloured clothing.  Stick to the cycle paths where you can and keep an eye out for pedestrians using the cycle paths. 

“Pedestrians - We need to be seen to keep us safe and to let the other road users know that we are there. Many serious accidents happen because drivers do not see other road users until it is too late so think about wearing something reflective, or carrying a torch or use the torch on your phone if it has one and stick to the pavements where possible.”

Visit www.saferessexroads.org/visionzero to read the Vision Zero strategy and how you can help to make Essex roads safer.

Page last updated 10 November, 2022