RESIDENTS of a Grays high rise block of flats were told to stay in their homes this afternoon (Tuesday, 26 October) while firefighters dealt with an incident on the seventh floor.

Seven crews from Grays, Orsett, Corringham, Basildon and Hawkwell, plus the aerial ladder platform from Southend attended a blaze in a flat caused when a heater caused clothes to catch alight just before 2pm.

On arrival, firefighters confirmed the fire was on the seventh floor and worked quickly to extinguish the fire by 2.28pm.

The 'stay put' policy for the building was implemented and crews confirmed that all residents were safe and accounted for following the incident.

Firefighters worked to clear the affected flat of smoke. Two women suffered from smoke inhalation and were left in the care of the ambulance service.

Station Manager Russ Freeman from Grays Fire Station was the Incident Commander and said: "The fire was caused by clothes which were placed too close to a portable heater. An item of clothing caught fire and spread to furniture close by.

"When drying clothes, the public are reminded to never place them close to any radiant heat sources such as portable electric heaters. Always place clothes on airers well away from the heat source itself.

"Make sure you have at least one working smoke alarm on every level of your home and always test them once a month. Do not remove the batteries or cover the smoke alarm.

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"Remember, you can always call us for fire safety advice. You can book a free Home Fire Safety visit by either popping into your local fire station, calling 0300 303 0088 or booking a visit online at www.essex-fire.gov.uk/book."