A family in South Woodham Ferrers had a lucky escape from a house fire today (Monday, 29 March) after their smoke alarms woke them up.

Essex Fire and Rescue Service has highlighted how the incident reinforces the message that working smoke alarms are needed on every level of homes. The service recently revealed that a survey had shown the Maldon and Dengie area has the lowest number of homes protected by smoke alarms in Essex.

Firefighters from South Woodham Ferrers and Wickford were called to the house fire in Anchor Reach, South Woodham Ferrers just after 7.30am.

On arrival, crews reported that a conservatory was heavily smoke logged and extinguished the fire by 8am.

Firefighters believe the fire was caused by batteries that had overheated while on charge.

The conservatory and adjoining garages suffered some smoke damage.

Watch Manager Dave Taylor from South Woodham Ferrers Fire Station said: "This incident really highlights the importance of having working smoke alarms in your home. Had these residents not have had working smoke alarms to alert them to this fire, they would not have been able to call us out as quickly and the outcome would have been very different."

A fire service spokesperson added: "We want every home in Essex to have a working smoke alarm on every floor. If you or someone you know doesn't have working smoke alarms at home, please get in touch so we can see how best to provide fire safety advice, either through a Home Safety Visit or advice over the phone."

Residents can get in touch with the fire service through the website using the link here.