Searing heat, thick black smoke and absolute terror – those caught up in a house fire will experience all of these.

This month Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service has been urging homeowners to plan an escape route in the event of fire, and reporter Charlotte Ikonen went down to St Albans fire station to experience a smoke-filled environment first hand.

After a quick briefing I was handed a uniform and heat-protective gloves along with a helmet and breathing apparatus, which weighed a hefty 20kg.

Assisted by firefighter Calum Drysdale, I ventured in to the smoke house training facility in London Road and they cut the lights and pumped artificial smoke into the building which resembled a standard maisonette.

It was pitch black and you could not see your hand if you waved it centimetres in front of your face.

My instructions were hands on the wall at all times, stay close and move very slowly, sweeping my feet to check for obstacles.

The heavy equipment meant it was hard to hear anything going on, but at least I was protected.

After around 20 minutes, having originally missed the exit, we located the door and escaped before I downed a pint of water and stripped the thick protective clothing off.

I had made it out, but I’d done it without the 300 degree heat, thick smoke and the horror that would be present in a real-life situation.

As I emerged, blinking in the sunlight on the hottest day of the year, I was told in that time I would have been overcome by the toxic fumes way before I’d had chance to escape.

As part of this month’s campaign, fire crews are urging homeowners to decide an escape plan and ensure all exits are kept clear of obstructions.

Darren Bassill at the station advised getting the household into a routine last thing at night, including shutting all doors, putting fire guards in place, switching off any electrical appliances that do not need to be left on and emptying ashtrays into a metal container.

He said: "It’s vitally important that people plan an escape route in the unlikely event of a fire.

"You might think that you won’t have a problem because it’s your house, but just try getting outside safely and quickly in the middle of the night when it’s pitch black and there’s smoke everywhere."

The county council's cabinet member for community protection Richard Thake said: "The safety of our residents is paramount.

"The best way to stay safe in the event of a fire is to get out and stay out.

"The quicker you can get out the less change of damage from toxic smoke.

"Having an escape plan might save you vital minutes in the event of a fire.

"Property is replaceable but lives are not.

"Don’t tackle the fire, get out of the property, call us and stay out."

The county council’s member for community protection, Richard Thake, said: "The safety of our residents is paramount.

"The best way to stay safe in the event of a fire is to get out and stay out. The quicker you can get out the less chance of damage from toxic smoke.

"We want to make people aware that property is replaceable and lives are not.

"Our advice is not to tackle the fire, get out of the property, call us and stay out."

My short time in the smokehouse was a sobering and eye-opening experience, and one which has made me think twice about ever running my washing machine overnight again.

The fire service offers a free Home Fire Safety visit where they will advise people on escape routes and smoke alarms.

For more information, click here or call 0300 123 4046.