Basildon man treated after returning home to house fire

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 28 Oct, 13:02 · Archive

A man was treated for smoke inhalation after finding his Basildon home filled with smoke from an electrical fault in the lounge.

A man returned home to a frightening scene after opening his front door to find his Basildon house filled with smoke. The fire had been smouldering inside the property for some time before the occupant arrived home. According to Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, the blaze had started in the lounge following an electrical fault, with smoke spreading throughout the entire house. The occupant attempted to put out the small fire himself and was subsequently treated for breathing in smoke.

Firefighters issued an urgent safety warning after revealing the property did not have smoke alarms installed. Watch Manager Kevin Smith said the alarms 'could have given an early warning to neighbours or passers-by'. He urged people without smoke alarms to get in touch, as the fire service can fit them for free.

Smith advised: 'If there is a fire in your home, get out, call 999 and stay out. Please don't put yourself in danger.' A photograph released by the fire service shows extensive fire and smoke damage around the affected area of the property, with items visibly blackened and charred. Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said the incident highlights the importance of having working smoke alarms in homes.

How it is being reported

• Man treated for smoke inhalation after returning home to find blaze insideBasildon house fire caused by an electrical fault left one man treated for smoke inhalation. Essex firefighters urgently warn homes need working smoke alarms.Brentwood Guardian · 28 Oct, 12:35
• Man treated for smoke inhalation after returning home to find blaze insideBasildon house fire caused by an electrical fault left one man treated for smoke inhalation. Essex firefighters urgently warn homes need working smoke alarms.Echo (Basildon) · 28 Oct, 12:35
• Man treated for smoke inhalation after returning home to find blaze insideBasildon house fire caused by an electrical fault left one man treated for smoke inhalation. Essex firefighters urgently warn homes need working smoke alarms.Colchester Gazette · 28 Oct, 12:35

In this story: Basildon · Essex County Fire and Rescue Service · Kevin Smith

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log