FIRE alarms saved a family from a blaze that caused extensive damage at their home in West Thurrock.

Crews have issued advice after a smoke alarm alerted a family to a fire caused by an item left on charge.

Crews were called to an end of terrace house in Schoolfield Road, which is off London Road in the early hours of the morning of Thursday, 12 June.

Two crews from Grays and one from Orsett attended and found the first floor completely alight and filled with smoke.

Crew Manager Matt Edwards said: "A loft light left on charge overnight in a first floor bedroom set fire to bedding.

"Fortunately the house had a working smoke alarm which alerted the three occupants. They did exactly the right thing and got out, stayed out and called 999.

"Crews did a fantastic job extinguishing the fire and stopping it from spreading to the roof space and adjoining property."

The fire was extinguished at 5.55am. 

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Mr Edwards added: "The incident is a reminder of how important it is to have a working smoke alarm on every floor of your property.

"A smoke alarm acts as an early warning and gives you and your family time to escape." 

If you or someone you know does not have working smoke alarms, visit https://orlo.uk/WQm8k or call 0300 303 0088.