All residents involved in a flat fire in Chadwell St Mary on Tuesday have been declared safe.

Thurrock councillors have praised the actions of Essex Country Fire and Rescue Service and council officers, who ensured the safety of George Tilbury House, Godman Road, residents after the blaze in a seventh floor flat.

The fire, which broke out at around 5.50pm on June 27, was contained to the flat where it started and almost all residents were able to remain in their homes due to the little smoke damage caused in the rest of the 13-storey block.

Councillor Shane Hebb, deputy leader of Thurrock Council, and Councillor Barry Johnson, portfolio holder for housing, were at the scene.

Councillor Hebb said: “The fact that not a single person suffered an injury and nearly all residents were back in their homes just over an hour after the fire was extinguished is a testament to how well these plans worked.

“Fires can be extremely traumatic events but any fire which does not result in a single injury or death must be viewed as a success and testament to the robust emergency plans we have in place at our properties.”

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Fire crews declared the building safe at 8.30pm and residents of all but four flats were able to spend the night in their homes following the incident. Residents unable to return home have been provided temporary accommodation while new homes are found for them.

Councillor Johnson said: “No one was hurt as a result of the fire in George Tilbury House yesterday and minimal damage was caused to the building despite one flat being totally destroyed. Residents were asked to ‘stay put’ in line with Essex County Fire and Rescue Service’s policy.

“Officers throughout the council were involved in helping residents, both at the scene and working remotely, and We have received compliments from tenants about how well the incident was handled and how happy they were to be able to return home just hours after the fire struck.”

The council have stated that officers will continue to support residents in the aftermath of the incident, and repar work will take place as a priority.