Tuesday, 27 November 2007, 11:59 GMT
Woman dies in mobile home inferno

A 82-year-old woman has been confirmed dead by firefighters following a blaze in a mobile home in Essex.

Crews tackling the blaze at Dobbs Weir near Waltham Abbey said flames had spread to 20% of the unit.

Because of fears the mobile home contained gas cylinders, crews from Waltham Abbey, Hoddesdon and Harlow tackled flames from the outside.

Firefighters confirmed one person had died and a full investigation into the cause of the fire would be carried out.

The fire was extinguished within 40 minutes.

Divisional officer Ray Skinner said: "We are becoming increasingly concerned about the safety of people living in caravans.

"Essex County Fire & Rescue Service provides free safety checks for all homes including caravans.

"Crew will visit residents and even install smoke alarms entirely free of charge."

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