Neighbours alerted crews to Hartlepool bungalow fire after alarm went off

The affected property, a bungalow on Cromer Walk, the Fens, Hartlepool, was empty at the time of the incident – but a working fire alarm inside alerted nearby neighbours to what was going on.

Cleveland Fire Brigade were then called. The incident happened shortly after 5.30pm on Monday.

A spokeswoman for Cleveland Fire Brigade confirmed that the fire had been brought under control by around 6pm.

She added: “There was 10% fire damage to a kitchen work surface, and light smoke damage to the whole property.”

Two breathing apparatus, one hose, a positive pressure ventilation fan and a thermal imaging camera were used.