Homes evacuated after second-floor flat fire

A number of homes have been evacuated after a fire started on the second floor of a block of flats.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said it was called at about 17:20 GMT on Wednesday to London Road, Brentwood, after a resident smelled smoke and called 999.

There was no working smoke alarm in the flat, that was "significantly damaged" and no one was inside, it said.

An investigation will take place to find out the cause of the fire.

Howard Midwood, station manager, praised crews who "did a fantastic job of stopping the fire from spreading to other flats within the building".

"Our partnership working with Essex Police meant everyone at the scene was well informed and kept safe.

"There were no working smoke alarm in the flat, which means it was some time before anyone realised there was a fire."

Other flats in the building suffered smoke damage, he added.

"The best way you can protect your home and your family is by making sure you have at least one working smoke alarm on every level of your house," he said.

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