A HOUSE fire in Basildon has prompted Essex Fire and Rescue Service to highlight the importance of having smoke alarms in your home.

Firefighters were called to a semi-detached house in Basildon on Tuesday evening (27 October).

The occupant had been out and when he got home and opened the front door, he was faced with a house full of smoke.

Watch Manager Kevin Smith said: "Unfortunately, the fire had been smouldering for some time and produced a large amount of smoke, which had spread through the entire house.

"The property did not have smoke alarms, which could have given an early warning to neighbours or passers-by. We can fit smoke alarms for free, so please get in touch if you don't have any."

The occupant tried to extinguish the small fire in the lounge and was treated by paramedics for breathing in smoke and had to go to hospital for further checks.

Crews extinguished the fire and cleared the smoke.

Watch Manager Smith said: "If there is a fire in your home, get out, call 999 and stay out. We were on the scene within five minutes and had the equipment and expertise to safely tackle a fire. Please don't put yourself in danger."

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It is believed the fire was caused by an electrical fault.

If you or someone you know needs smoke alarms visit Book a Home Safety Visit page or call 0300 303 0088.