A WOMAN in her 80s living in a sheltered housing complex was saved by her neighbour after he heard her smoke alarm going off.

The incident happened yesterday (Saturday, 17 August) at the Vigerons Way complex in Chadwell St Mary.

Firefighters were called through a Careline system alarm to reports of the fire in a flat just before 3pm.

One crew from Orsett and two from Grays arrived quickly and extinguished the fire in the lounge. 

Watch Manager Kevin Smith, Orsett Fire Station, said: "We are so thankful to the neighbour for what he did; on hearing the alarm he checked to see what was happening and saw flames.

"He then entered the property through patio doors and found the resident, who has mobility issues, on a bed in the living room.

"It was the bed that was on fire, so I'm in no doubt if the neighbour hadn't taken immediate action, the woman would have been seriously injured or worse.

"The incident shows the importance of having working smoke alarms in your home. Even if you're not home or you're unable to act, it will alert others to the first sign of fire.

"We'd also urge smokers to make sure their cigarettes are properly stubbed out. This incident started when a cigarette set the bed on fire."

"The living room has suffered some smoke and fire damage.

"Both the resident and the neighbour were treated for smoke inhalation at the scene. 

A message from Essex Fire and Rescue says: "If you or someone you know doesn't have working smoke alarms at home, get in touch with our Service.

Visit essex-fire.gov.uk/book or call 0300 303 0088.

And the service offered the following advice:

Are you a smoker?

If you're a smoker or you have a smoker living in your house:-

• Make sure you have a working smoke alarm on every floor
• Make sure your cigarettes are fully extinguished
• Take extra care when you're tired, taking any sort of drugs or have been drinking alcohol. It's very easy to fall asleep while your cigarette is still burning
• Never smoke in bed - if you need to lie down, don't light up. You could doze off and set your bed on fire
• Never leave lit cigarettes unattended - they can easily overbalance as they burn down
• Use a proper, heavy ashtray that can't tip over easily and is made of a material that won't burn
• Don't let the ash or cigarette ends build up in the ashtray
• Use child safe matches and cigarette lighters and keep them safely out of the reach of children