ESSEX fire has put out an appeal to residents to “park considerately” after cars blocked access to a house fire in Westcliff.

Crews were called to Fairmead Avenue, Westcliff, at 3:43 this morning after reports of a house fire.

They were delayed getting to the property due to cars parked either side of the road blocking access.

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Thankfully the occupant still managed to get out of the property unharmed, however, Essex Fire say this could have been a “very different” outcome.

Maxim Clark, crew manager, said: “Every second counts during a fire but unfortunately it took us five minutes to drive half the length of the road.

“At one point, we had to get out and walk to the property.

“If we have to bump cars out of the way to get to a scene we will, but it's not a course of action we want to take.

“Thankfully, the occupant was safely out of the house, but it could have been very different if she hadn't been alerted to the fire.

“Please help our crews by making sure a fire engine, ambulance or police car can fit through when you park your vehicle.”

Crews extinguished a fire in a downstairs bathroom, which was found to be caused by an electric fault.

Firefighters are now set to visit the area today to give residents advice about parking considerately.