A fire caused by a mobile phone overheating on a quilt has destroyed a bedroom in a house in New Town.

The fire broke out in a semi-detached house in Harsnett Road, Colchester, at 6.40pm and crews struggled to get past cars parked on both sides of the road to reach the scene.

Two crews worked for 40 minutes to put out the flames in a rear bedroom and the house's two occupants made it out safely.

With no fire alarms in the house, the pair were alerted by the smell of burning.

Sub officer Stephen Smith said: "We believe the fire was caused by a mobile phone overheating on a quilt.

"There were no smoke alarms inside the property, which could have prevented such a substantial fire. The rear bedroom of the first floor was destroyed by the fire.

"Fortunately, one of the occupiers smelt the fire. Had this been at night, it could have been a completely different outcome."

Following the incident the fire service issued the following advice:

- Never leave your electrical devices charging overnight. Charge phones, tablets, laptops and e-cigarettes while you are in the room and turn them off when you leave the room.


- Don’t leave devices charging on the carpet or under a pillow.

- Make sure that e-cigarettes are bought from a reputable source and are used and charged in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations.

- Keep electrical items away from flammable materials when charging.

- Don't overload sockets - power strip extension leads are safest, but can only take a total of 13 amps.

To arrange a free home fire safety visit call 0300 303 0088 or visit essex-fire.gov.uk/Home_Fire_Safety/.