Firefighters were called to a kitchen fire at a mid-terrace house on Rainsford Road, Chelmsford, on Saturday 11th April 2026 at 12:11pm. Two crews from Chelmsford Fire Station attended the incident after occupants upstairs smelled smoke and safely evacuated the property before calling 999.
The fire started when a cardboard box was left on a hob that had inadvertently been left switched on, causing flames to spread through the kitchen. Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, preventing it from spreading beyond the kitchen, although the room was badly damaged and the rest of the house filled with smoke. No injuries were reported. Before leaving the scene at 1:02pm, crews fitted smoke alarms in the property as a safety measure.
Station Manager Scott Fretton reminded residents of simple fire prevention steps and praised the occupants for doing the right thing by getting out, staying out, and calling 999. He said: “The incident is a reminder to make sure your hob is clear when it is not being used, just in case it is left on or turned on accidentally. It also highlights the importance of having working smoke alarms; they act as a vital early warning of fire and keep you and your family safe.”
Essex County Fire & Rescue Service offers free home safety visits and smoke alarm installation for residents.
View insights about Rainsford Road, Chelmsford.