Five people were rescued from a burning building when a blaze ripped through a first floor flat in Northlands Lodge in Southchurch Road, Southend, early today.
Southend firefighter Martyn Hodder said residents were lucky to have escaped alive after they were rescued from the windows and roof.
It is understood the fire started after washing was left over a storage heater which set the clothing alight.
Mr Hodder said: "The owner of the flat was in hospital undergoing an operation. The flat was well alight by the time we arrived."
Two of the people rescued were treated for smoke inhalation and shock at the scene.
Published Friday, January 17, 2003
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