A WISBECH bedroom flat has been heavily damaged by a fire which crews believe was started deliberately. The hallway of the ground floor flat in St Michael s Avenue was also heavily smoke-damaged, with light damage to other rooms. Two fire crews from Wisbe

A WISBECH bedroom flat has been heavily damaged by a fire which crews believe was started deliberately.

The hallway of the ground floor flat in St Michael's Avenue was also heavily smoke-damaged, with light damage to other rooms.

Two fire crews from Wisbech were called at 7.33pm last night (Thursday) and arrived within six minutes.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the flat and extinguished fire using one hose reel. Nobody was in the flat at the time.

A smoke alarm in the flat was activated and was found by fire crews in a cupboard.

Watch manager Mick Stebbing said: "Having a working smoke alarm fitted in the correct place on the ceiling is really important as it provides an early warning to people in the home that can prove lifesaving.

"When people are not at home a smoke alarm is often heard by neighbours who contact the fire service which means we can attend and deal with the fire before it spreads unnoticed.

"We offer free home fire safety checks and we will come and visit you in the home and fit a smoke alarm if you do not have one.

"We will also talk about general fire safety and help you prepare an escape plan so everybody knows what to do if a fire should break out."

An investigation will be carried out by the fire service, but crews believe it was started deliberately.

• For a free home fire safety check, contact the fire service on 01480 444666. Alternatively, request a check and read about fire safety advice at www.cambsfire.gov.uk.