Residents jumped from an upstairs window to escape from a burning building.
The fire started at about 1am yesterday in Hayes Road, Clacton, in a ground-floor bedsit.
The scene of the fire in Clacton
Nigel Gudgeon, 37, and Sadie Trussell, 21, woke up and found their only way out was through a window with a drop of about 15ft.
Mr Gudgeon said: "I woke up and there was smoke everywhere.
"I felt the door to see if it was hot but as soon as I opened it all the smoke came in."
He said he then realised the only way out was through the window.
Mr Gudgeon said: "I got Sadie on to the ledge and she panicked because she doesn't like heights.
"She went down a bit then grabbed my legs and the others helped her at the bottom. Then I jumped down."
Neighbours helped cushion their fall at the bottom.
Fire crews from Clacton, Weeley and Frinton rushed to the blaze but the residents had already managed to get out of the building's five bedsits.
Six firefighters wearing breathing apparatus went into the smoke-logged building and had to force an entry into the rooms to make sure the building was evacuated. Sub-officer John Smith, of Clacton fire station, emphasised the need for people to ensure their smoke alarms are fully functional.
Mr Gudgeon and Miss Trussell were taken to Colchester General Hospital suffering from smoke inhalation, but were released after treatment.
Although the cause of the fire is unknown, Insp Paul Morton, of Clacton police, said they are not treating it as suspicious
Published Monday, May 19, 2003
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article