A MAN had to be rescued from his flat after a cigarette caused a blaze to break out in his lounge.

The man had fallen asleep on the sofa on Monday afternoon and failed to hear his smoke alarm when the fire took over his lounge.

Thankfully, his next-door neighbours heard the alarm and were able to call the fire service immediately.

Two fire crews from Southend rushed to the house, in Rochford Garden Way, Rochford, shortly after 3pm and found the flat engulfed in smoke.

As soon as firefighters arrived, they entered the home and found the man asleep on the sofa.

Neighbour David Smith, 57, said: “I hope the man makes a full recovery. It all sounds so shocking. I am surprised as I didn’t hear or see anything happening at all. I do smoke myself and it makes me think about being careful. It is a good job that the neighbour called 999.”

A shopworker and mum-of-two, 35, said: “I did hear the sirens in the afternoon. Some people have been saying he suffered from inhaling smoke. It all sounds so dangerous and very serious. I am pleased he is ok - it could have been so much worse.”

Firefighters carried him outside where he was treated with oxygen and first aid until medics arrived and took over his care.

Firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze and established the fire had been caused by a cigarette which has been left on the sofa.

Watch Manager Mark Petty-Mayor, Southend Fire Station, said it was fortunate the incident was not fatal.

He added: “It’s absolutely vital you ensure your cigarette is completely out when you have finished smoking it.

“If you don’t, you risk causing a fire that could destroy not only your home, but could also cost you your life.

“Incidents like this also show how important it is to also have a working smoke alarm.

“If is wasn’t for the smoke alarm alerting the neighbour, this incident could have had a very tragic ending.”

The fire service have shared important advice for smokers which includes ensuring cigarettes are fully extinguished, taking extra care after consuming alcohol and never smoking in bed.

Full advice can be found at www.essex-fire.gov.uk