A fire started by an incense stick left in a bedroom has left residents of a house in Southend homeless due to the amount of damage caused.

Firefighters responded to the fire in St Leonards Road, Southend at 5.50pm on January 23.

When firefighters entered the property. they found the whole upper floor completely smoke damaged.

Watch Manager Ben Manning said: “The resident was using an incense stick in the bedroom and thought they’d put it out, but the embers were still smouldering and caught the bedding alight, which spread to nearby furniture.

“Unfortunately due to the amount of damage caused, the residents have been left homeless.

“Please remember when using candles, wax melts or incense sticks to never leave them unattended. 

“With incense sticks, they need to be properly stubbed out.  It only takes an ember to catch nearby items alight.”

Crews extinguished the fire and ventilated the property. 

Essex Fire have advised people to ensure that:

  • Incense sticks need to be properly stubbed out. It only takes an ember to catch nearby items alight
  • Candles are never left burning unattended 
  • Children are not left alone with children
  • Candles are kept away from materials that may catch alight