FIREFIGHTERS have warned smokers to take care while smoking inside after a fire in Thurrock yesterday left a resident homeless.

When crews from Orsett and Corringham arrived at the property in Horndon on the Hill at 9.17pm last night (16 September) they found the living room on fire and the house full of smoke.

Watch Manager Kevin Smith said: "The resident fell asleep while smoking and woke up to their armchair and nearby items alight. They did the right thing by getting themselves out quickly and calling 999.

"If you're a smoker or you know someone who smokes, please take care while smoking. If you're tired or you've had a drink, we'd suggest avoiding smoking indoors as it's very easy to fall asleep while your cigarette is burning.

Essex Fire and Rescue Service will fit fire alarms for free.

"What's worrying is that the property had no working smoke alarms.

"We recommend you have a least one working smoke alarm on every level of your home and that you test them regularly. We fit them for free, get in touch by visiting essex-fire.gov.uk/book or call 0300 303 0088."