FIREFIGHTERS had to climb through a flat window after a kitchen went up in flames.

Crews had to use a ladder to access the property in Spire Road, Basildon, after they were called out around 9.30pm yesterday (Monday, November 15).

A neighbour had dialled 999 after hearing a smoke alarm going off in the flat.

Once firefighters were inside, they were able to extinguish the flames and clear smoke within an hour.

They found the fire had been started after a kitchen towel had been left on a lit hob.

Read more:

Essex Fire Service says no one was inside the property at the time.

It has highlighted the importance of having smoke alarms fitted and urged residents to take care when cooking.

Basildon Fire Station’s watch manager, Mark Blakebrough, at Basildon Fire Station, said: “It’s really important to keep cooker surfaces clear of flammable objects.

“Even after cooking, hobs remain hot for some time and items such as tea towels and oven mitts can catch alight.

“Fortunately, this property had a working smoke alarm which alerted a neighbour to the fire, and we were able to extinguish it quickly, before it spread throughout the flat.”

The fire service says you should have at least one working smoke alarm on every level of your home.

Book a free home fire safety visit by calling 0300 303 0088 or online at essex-fire.gov.uk/book.