A family returned home from the school run to find their dog had accidentally started a kitchen fire.

The fire service say the blaze, which started at 3.30pm yesterday (November 13), started after the family dog jumped up to get to its food and accidentally turned on an electric hob.

Crews were called to the property in James Road, Braintree, and managed to extinguish the fire at 3.55pm - before it had spread to the cupboards above.

The property has suffered light smoke damage and fire damage to the extractor fan. Two smoke alarms have now been fitted.

Incident commander William McGrath said: "When we arrived the family were safely outside their home. They had got out, stayed out and called 999, which was absolutely the right thing to do. 

"The fire started after the family dog jumped up to get to its food and accidentally turned on an electric hob.

"Thankfully the fire had not yet spread to the cupboards above, but this could have been a different outcome if the occupants did not return home when they did.

"Our advice is to keep all kitchen surfaces clear when you're not using them and turn off your hob and oven at the main switch."