ESSEX Fire and Rescue Service has reiterated the need for householders to take precautionary measures following a fire at a Stanford-le-Hope home.

Firefighters responded to a house in Wharf Close on Saturday morning (9 November) after residents noticed smoke coming from their kitchen and called 999.

Upon arrival, crews from Orsett and Corringham fire stations discovered a kitchen fire and smoke throughout the house. They quickly extinguished the fire, which had started from a pan left on the hob, and ventilated the property to clear the smoke.

The family received treatment at the scene for smoke inhalation.

Watch Manager Ben Stapleton said: "We're not certain if the pan was left on from this morning or overnight. What we do know is that there were no working smoke alarms, so it was fortunate the family noticed the smoke in time. Had this occurred at night, the fire could have spread undetected, potentially leading to a much more serious situation.

"Working smoke alarms are essential - they alert you and your family at the earliest sign of fire. They save lives and protect your property, which is why it's so important to have one on every level of your home."

Following the incident, crews installed smoke alarms in the home and spoke with neighbours to reinforce the importance of working smoke alarms.

To find out more about smoke alarms click here.