FIREFIGHTERS from Hadleigh and Canvey tackled a blaze in the bedroom of a two storey house in Canvey thought to have been caused by a cigarette.
The fire in Genep Road was fully extinguished by 7:57am this morning. Crews wore four sets of breathing apparatus and used one hose reel jet.
Sub Officer Kevin Hercock, officer in charge at the incident, said: "The fire appears to have been caused by a cigarette which was not properly extinguished. incidents like this show the danger people face if they do not make sure that all smoking materials are properly extinguished.
!It is vital that smokers ensure their cigarettes are fully out and that they regularly empty their ash trays and never smoke in bed.
"The property had no smoking work alarms so the man who lives there is lucky this did not happen while he was asleep because he would have had no warning that there was a fire in his home at all and could have suffocated on the smoke in his sleep."
Essex Fre and Rescue conducts home fire safety visits where a free smoke alarm can be fitted. Call 0845 601 2495 to find out more.