THE quick-thinking of a 97-year-old resident of sheltered flats in Langland Close, Corringham saved the day in the early hours after she raised the alarm after smelling smoke.
She stayed on the line from the lounge area of her home with ECFRS Control Operators providing reassurance while waiting for firefighters to arrive.
On arrival, crews evacuated 11 of the flats on the complex before locating the fire outside the property in a bin area between the elderly people’s homes and a day complex.
Flames had actually licked the windows of the propertties but firefighters wearing breathing apparatus quickly extinguished them using one hose reel.
Residents were allowed home unhurt and the incident was dealt with by 03:29 hrs.
We have no information relating to the cause at this stage.
