FIREFIGHTERS tackled a significant blaze that started in one home and spread to a number of properties in Pitseaville Grove, Basildon, today (Monday, 30 October).

The alarm was raised just after 1pm but the fire, which started in a single property, spread to a row of terrace houses. It was extinguished at 3.40pm but crews remained at the scene into the evening to dampen down hot spots.

Group Manager Mark Eaglestone said: "The fire started to the rear of a mid-terrace house, spread through the property and into the roof. It then affected the roofs of five other terraced properties.

"Crews worked extremely hard to create a fire break and did a fantastic job of stopping it from spreading further."

The house where the fire started has been badly damaged by fire. Four of the other properties will need to be assessed by structural engineers.

The local authority and Swan Housing found temporary accommodation for the families affected.

It is believed a discarded cigarette may have caused the fire, which has been recorded as accidental.