ANOTHER of Tilbury's three tower blocks was the setting for an emergency incident overnight.

A family escaped injury after a fire in their first floor flat in Freemantle House - which is adjacent to the recently flooded Brisbane House where residents are only just starting to return after it was evacuated in November.

Neighbours in Freemantle were advised to stay in their flats while firefighters tackled the blaze.

Essex Fire and Rescue crews from Grays, Basildon and Orsett attended after smoke alarms in the flat went off around 1.30 this morning (Sunday, 4 January), alerting the residents to a fire in an airing cupboard.

Freemantle House (left).

Station Manager Mat Bannon said: "The smoke alarms really made a difference and gave that early warning. Sadly the flat was badly fire damaged but it could have been much worse."

Firefighters worked quickly to contain the fire which did not affect any other properties in the building.

He added: "The neighbouring residents were great, listened to our advice to stay put and we contained the fire quickly. It really helped us to do our job.

"Working smoke alarms really make a difference - we fit for them for free and carry out a home fire safety check too. Search Essex Fire Book to find out more.

"If you live in a high-rise building you can also find out lots of information on our website on what to do if there is a fire."

The family in the flat are currently staying with family. They have been offered alternative accommodation while the blaze-affected flat is refurbished.

Social housing portfolio holder Cllr Mark Hooper visited Freemantle House today and he has praised firefighters for their efforts and also residents in the flats to adhering to the safety advice.

Cllr Mark Hooper on site this morning.

"Obviously this is a very unfortunate incident but if there is a positive it's that everything worked as it should in an emergency of this type.

"I've visited the flat which will obviously now require significant work and we have arranged alternative accommodation for the displaced family in the interim.

"Currently they are with relatives but I hope to speak with them later as we work this through.

"I've also spoken to residents on the first and second floors and thanked them for their actions overnight and we will be offering them any support they need.

"There remains a smell of smoke on the landings which will be dealt with but we have to work on the damaged flat first as it is the source."