POLICE are investigating after fire broke out in a flat in a sheltered housing block.
Firefighters rushed to the ground floor flat in Felmore Court, Pitsea, at about 1.15pm today.
Fire crews from Basildon wore four sets of breathing apparatus and used two hose reels to put out the flames within half an hour.
Fearing residents might be trapped in the flats above, firefighters made a search of the proerties, but found no one at home.
A specialist fan was then used to ventilate the flat where the fire had started.
Station Officer Brian Mansfield said: "When fire crews arrived at the flat smoke was pouring out.
"The prompt and professional action of the fire crews stopped the fire from spreading to adjoining flats."
Police said they are treating the fire as suspicious and are investigating.
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