FIRE bosses have hit back at criticism from the union after concerns were raised about the level of resources across the county.

Fire Brigade Union secretary Riccardo la Torre said cuts to the fire service were getting "truly frightening" after a spate of house fires at the weekend left crews stretched to "dangerous" levels.

A family was left homeless after one fire in Rectory Road, Pitsea, which was caused by a discarded cigarette setting bedding on fire.

Despite Basildon being home to two appliances, fire crews from Orsett, Corringham and South Woodham Ferrers had to respond as they were tied up at other house fires in Benfleet and Canvey.

Mr la Torre said: "“Three house fires is a fairly busy night but we should be able to deal with that - it’s our bread and butter.

“If there was a fire in Orsett or Corringham, lives could have been lost.

“Even the people in Basildon might think they’re fine because theirs haven’t been cut but the reality is they get dragged away elsewhere."

Now the fire service and the Police Fire and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst have responded to the criticism from the Fire Brigade Union.

Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst said: “The Service has more than 70 fire and specialist vehicles throughout Essex, and through our pre-planning we ensure we keep our response times to a minimum.

“Firefighters provide an Essex-wide response, which means the service regularly moves fire engines to provide temporary cover and did so on this occasion.”

The fire service insisted the cover was adequate and reassured residents that a crew was on standby at Basildon station.

Dave Bill, the fire service's director of prevention, protection and response, said: "The first call was received at 8.11pm. The first crew from Orsett, who had been standing by at Basildon, arrived on scene within four minutes at 8.15pm, closely followed by South Woodham Ferrers at 8.19pm. This is well within the target response time for incidents where there is a threat to life.

“Although crews acted in a thorough and professional manner, for which my thanks go to the firefighters who attended and the Control staff who provide 24/7 dedicated cover to move our resources, unfortunately a family was made homeless - the thoughts of the Service are with the occupants.

“The fire was caused after a cigarette ignited bedding materials when one of the occupants fell asleep while smoking and the smoke alarm did not activate."