AN unsafely discarded cigarette caused a kitchen fire in a Harlow flat this afternoon.

Firefighters were called to reports of a fire in the second floor flat after a neighbour was alerted by the sound of the smoke alarm. No-one was inside the property at the time of the fire.

Crews managed to extinguish the fire by 1.07pm before using positive pressure ventilation fans to clear the smoke from the premises.

Fortunately, firefighters were able to contain the fire damage to the kitchen, while the rest of the property has suffered light smoke damage.

Watch Manager Tony Galloway, Harlow Fire Station, said: “This fire was caused accidentally after a cigarette, which had not been properly extinguished, fell from an ash tray into a nearby bin and ignited its contents.

“Fortunately, the property had a working smoke alarm which helped a quick-thinking neighbour to inform us, but this could easily have been much more serious.

“If you or someone you live with smoke at home, please always make sure that your cigarettes are completely out and not near anything flammable before you leave them unattended.”