Colchester: Onslow Crescent fire caused by 'discarded cigarette'

Fire crews from Clacton, Brightlingsea, Wivenhoe, West Mersea, Tiptree, and Chelmsford were called to Onslow Crescent, Colchester, shortly before 3pm today.

Firefighters determined the cause of the fire, which started in the garden of a terraced house and spread into the roof before spreading to three neighbouring properties, was a discarded cigarette.

It took almost three hours for the fire, which left the main house uninhabitable, to be extinguished.

Damage - The main house was left uninhabitable (Image: ECFRS)

Station manager Terry Maher praised his colleagues for stopping the blaze from causing further damage.

He said: “Crews worked quickly to get hold of this fire and prevent it spreading throughout the terraced houses.

“Due to the hot and dry conditions, the fire spread very quickly from outside to the house and up to the roof space.”

Mr Maher also issued a warning to smokers, adding this isn’t an isolated incident.

“If you smoke, please make sure to properly stub out cigarettes before discarding them,” he said.

Aftermath - The fire caused significant damage (Image: Martyn Warnes)

The senior firefighter continued: “We’ve had several fires recently that have been caused by discarded cigarettes that have spread in the dry conditions. It only takes an ember for a fire to start in these conditions.”

Berechurch councillor Martyn Warnes, who visited the affected residents after learning of the incident, said: “It's never good to learn of fire damage to peoples' homes. I urge people to be aware of fire risk when using and disposing of combustible materials.

“I have now visited the homes involved and have seen some of the damage caused. There is said to be water damage to all three homes. One roof has been completely burnt-out and two others damaged.

Smoke damage - The fire spread to three neighbouring properties (Image: Martyn Warnes)

“Berechurch has a strong sense of community, and I know that friends and family have rallied around to provide comfort, food, shelter to those affected, and toys for younger family members.

“The householders involved have my contact details. I have verbally given information about voluntary bodies that can offer further help and support, and they can contact me or my councillor colleagues, Chris Pearson and Dave Harris, for further support if needed.

“We all wish them well for the clean-up operation which inevitably follows such an event.”