CREWS from four south Essex fire stations tackled a roof blaze after smoke billowing from a bathroom fan alerted a resident to a fire.

Firefighters rushed to a terraced house in St Johns Crescent, Canvey, where they tore part of the roof off in a bid to extinguish the loft inferno.

Crews from Canvey, Rayleigh Weir, Basildon and Southend were sent to help.

They used an aerial ladder platform to tackle the fire from above, while firefighters worked to stop it spreading to the house next door.

Yesterday afternoon, the resident spotted smoke coming from the extractor fan in their bathroom, quickly realising their loft was ablaze.

Station Manager Russ Freeman said: “Thankfully, the resident was home and was able to notice the smoke before the fire spread throughout the loft space and into next door.”

Crews extinguished the fire and monitored hotspots throughout the evening.

The cause of the fire could not be determined but firefighters believe it was accidental. 

Mr Freeman highlighted the importance of having functioning smoke alarms.

He added: “The resident’s smoke alarms were going off when we arrived and we’re reassured that had they not been home or they’d been asleep, their smoke alarms would have alerted them or neighbours to the fire.

“We’d urge everyone to make sure you have at least one working smoke alarm on every level of your home and that you test them regularly. If you or someone you know doesn’t have working smoke alarms, we can fit them for free.”

Register for a free smoke alarm via the fire service website: essex-fire.gov.uk/book-home-safety-visit