A WOMAN had to escape from a window as flames caused by an overheating charger took hold of her home.
Firefighters praised Tendring Council waste collectors after they called 999 when they heard a smoke alarm going off inside a home in Grange Road, Dovercourt, earlier this morning.
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said crews from Colchester and Dovercourt fire stations were called at 6.42am and that a woman escaped from a ground floor window before they arrived.
The firefighters found a well-developed fire in the lounge and the whole property was heavily smoke logged.
Tom Jewell, crew manager at Dovercourt fire station, has urged residents across Essex to check their smoke alarms are working.
The senior firefighter said: “Our firefighters worked hard to surround the fire, which was spreading quickly, before extinguishing it and ventilating the property.
“This incident highlights just how important smoke alarms are. Even if it doesn’t alert you, it will let others who are nearby know there is potentially an emergency and to call 999.
“Without a doubt it’s the best way you can protect your life from fire.”
He added: “The fire and smoke in this property spread very quickly because all internal doors were open; it’s important to close doors to all rooms when you’re not using them as it will help stop the spread of any potential fire.”
The woman was left in the care of the East of England Ambulance Service.
An investigation into the cause of the fire indicates it was started by a charger which had overheated.
Dovercourt councillor Garry Calver thanked the swift lifesaving action of the refuse collectors which meant the fire service could act before the fire worsened.
“Usually councillors get contacted when someone’s waste collection has been missed,” he said.
“It’s fantastic to hear that the quick thinking of these collectors has averted a tragedy.
“I’m sure everybody wishes the resident all the best and hopes that the damage is soon repaired.”
A picture taken by firefighters at the scene shows a room on the ground floor of the home has been destroyed.
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