A WOMAN’S house has been left charred by smoke after a neighbour heard her smoke alarm but didn’t call the fire service.
A firefighter has now urged residents to not ignore an unfolding emergency and instead raise the alarm.
Two crews were called to St John's Road, Colchester, on Tuesday evening after the woman called 999 after hearing there was a fire at her house.
A neighbour had heard the smoke alarm going off but left it some time before calling the homeowner to tell her.
On arrival shortly before 9.30pm, firefighters found kindling had caught alight through heat transfer from a log burner.
Colchester fire station’s watch manager Darren Holliday said: “Although the fire had been burning for some time, we're lucky it hadn't spread past the hearth.
"Unfortunately what it did mean is the whole house was full of smoke and has suffered smoke damage.
"Of course, this isn't the fault of the neighbour, but it's a reminder to take these incidents seriously.
"My ask to everyone is not to ignore a smoke alarm if you hear it coming from inside another property.
“If you can safely do so, go and check what's happening.
“You might see smoke through the windows or the door might be hot to touch.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here