Essex fire crews tackle flat blaze in The Hyde Langdon Hills

Essex firefighters were called to a flat fire in The Hyde, Basildon at 11.26am today and used a specialist aerial ladder platform to tackle the flames from above.

Two dogs were rescued and a man was taken to hospital following the blaze. 

On arrival, two crews from Basildon reported a second floor flat was on fire and heavily smoke damaged, the fire service said.

The fire was beginning to spread to the flat above, prompting senior officers to request help from another four crews from Rayleigh, Leigh and Hawkwell.

Firefighters worked hard to fight the fire in sections. Crews also requested an Aerial Ladder Platform from Grays to help extinguish the fire from above.

Fire officers also used a drone to monitor hotspots at the scene.

Station manager Andre Turner, fire investigation officer said: “Unfortunately two flats have been left badly damaged from this fire but we are pleased to hear that a man who was initially taken to hospital is now out.

"Two dogs were also rescued from the incident and we understand that after being taken to a local vets they are also doing well.

"We've now carried out a full fire investigation and believe the most likely cause was an electrical device.”