A HOUSE fire was prevented from spreading thanks to the occupants working smoke alarm.

Four fire crews from Witham, Chelmsford and Great Baddow were called to Homefield Road, Witham, this afternoon at around 3.35pm.

The occupants of the house were alerted to the fire, that had started in a first floor bedroom, by a smoke alarm.

Firefighters using breathing apparatus entered the property and had extinguished the fire by 4.30pm.

The fire was stopped from spreading to neighbouring properties but the first floor of the home has been badly damage and the rest is smoke damaged.

Two people were left in the care of the ambulance service suffering from smoke inhalation.

The cause of the fire has been recorded as accidental. 

A spokesman for Essex Fire and Rescue Service said: "We want every home in Essex to have the excellent protection of working smoke alarms.

"Call us to book a home safety visit - we will provide and fit smoke alarms completely free of charge."

Call 0300 303 0088 or book online: www.essex-fire.gov.uk/book