ESSEX Firefighters have urged residents to make sure they have a working smoke alarm on every level of their home after a fire in Harlow.

When crews arrived at the incident on Old Road in Old Harlow and entered the property they found the house fully smoke logged and a fire in the bedroom. 

Watch Manager Neil Wyndham said: “Thankfully the residents had been home to notice the fire but it’s really concerning to see people without working smoke alarms or any smoke alarms at home at all. 

“We can’t emphasise it enough, please make sure you have working smoke alarms at home. They’re your first warning to a fire and can give you time to safely escape your home and call us quickly. 

“If you or someone you know doesn’t have any working smoke alarms at home, we can fit them for free. Please get in touch with our team. Visit essex-fire.gov.uk/book or call 0300 303 0088.” 

The cause of the fire was recorded as accidental.