Fire from discarded cigarette spreads to gas main

A fire spread to a gas main, prompting an evacuation of nearby properties

Homes had to be evacuated after a fire caused by a discarded cigarette spread to a gas main.

It started on some decking at a property in Erica Walk, Colchester at about 13:10 BST on Monday.

Essex Fire and Rescue Service said the blaze spread to a gas meter and the gas main, leading to people being told to leave nearby properties.

The service has urged smokers to ensure they put out their cigarettes completely.

Crew manager Dave Farrant said: "When we arrived, the property was full of smoke, which was coming in through the windows.

"Where the fire had spread to the gas main, the crew worked quickly to evacuate nearby properties and isolate the gas.

"If you smoke, please make sure to properly stub out your cigarette before discarding it, as it only takes a small ember from the lit cigarette to start a fire."

He added: "With the warmer weather we've been having, it's especially important to double-check cigarettes are properly extinguished as the dry conditions will help a fire spread faster.

"In this case, we believe the discarded cigarette caught the dry timber of the decking alight."