Firefighters shocked at Colchester's second fire death this year are stepping up fire safety efforts.

Concern - community commander Lee Neale, pictured right at the scene of the fatal fire in Chaplin Drive, Colchester, says firefighters are particularly concerned after two fatal fires have already occurred this year. Picture: STEVE ARGENT 40607-5

On Monday, a 77-year-old man died at his home in Chaplin Drive, Parson's Heath, after a fire started in his bedroom.

It came less than a month after a New Year's Day blaze in Wivenhoe in which a 74-year-old woman died.

Both fires are thought to have been caused by discarded cigarettes.

In the wake of this week's tragedy, firefighters visited every home in Chaplin Drive offering leaflets, advice and smoke alarms to try to prevent more deaths.

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Published Wednesday, January 26, 2005

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