FIREFIGHTERS were called to a kitchen fire in Felsted after a neighbour was alerted by the sound of a smoke alarm.
On arrival at the bungalow in Bannister Green at 12.44pm, crews discovered a pan had been left on the hob in the kitchen which was burning and filling the property with smoke.
Crews from Braintree and Great Dunmow stations used a ventilation fan to clear the smoke from the property by 1.09pm.
Steve Wintrip, Braintree Station Officer, said: "The occupant had gone out so it was lucky a neighbour heard the smoke alarm and called us in.
"Without a working smoke alarm it could have been a different story and the fire could have spread.
"Incidents like this show the importance of having a working smoke alarm fitted in your home.
“It is vitally important that all homes have a properly fitted and working smoke alarm. Smoke alarms are without doubt the most important piece of equipment in any home, they sound at the first sign of fire giving everyone a chance to get out and call the fire service."
To arrange for a free home safety visit, which includes fitting smoke alarms, contact Essex County Fire and Rescue Service on 0300 303 0088 or email: webmaster@essex-fire.gov.uk.
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