Westcliff sheltered accommodation fire: residents 'traumatised'

Elderly residents were forced to flee their flats at Stephen McAdden House in Burrs Chase, Westcliff, after the fire broke-out at roughly 4.30am on Friday. 

Firefighters rescued a man from the burning flat before he, and another resident, were taken to Southend Hospital for treatment for smoke inhalation. 

Following an investigation, the fire service have confirmed the blaze was started by a discarded cigarette inside the flat. 

Firefighters at the scene of the blaze. (Image: Wendy Glacet)

The flat has been “destroyed” and large plumes of smoke filled the sky as “traumatised” residents watched on.

Wendy Glacet, 75, who lives in another building opposite the flaming flat, recalled the events of the “dreadful night.”

“It was awful and quite terrifying.

“The flat was full of flames and I thought it was going to spread because the smoke began spreading across the whole roof.

“Luckily there wasn’t more damage but it could have been so much worse because there’s only one lift in the building and everyone here is quite old and a lot of us aren’t very mobile.”

Smoke began spreading over the area. (Image: Wendy Glacet)
A number of neighbouring flats were evacuated from their homes, managed by south Essex Homes. 

Firefighters remained on scene throughout Friday morning. 

Another resident, who asked not to be named, added: “When we went outside we saw the flames coming out and the window fell out. It was quite traumatising.

“We were all awakened by the fire alarm when we all went downstairs. The brigade came and then came running down and told the whole building to get out. The fire service were very professional and about half past six we were allowed in. We had to wait for the smoke to clear up.”

Essex Fire and Rescue have said the fire was caused by a 'discarded smoking material.' (Image: Newsquest)

A South Essex Homes spokesperson added: “Our people were on site very soon after we were advised about the fire and members of our team looked after the evacuated residents within the communal lounge in the block, supporting them according to their individual needs and offering them breakfast.

“Our thoughts are with the two residents who we understand were taken to hospital for check-ups and to assess the effects of smoke inhalation.”