Firefighters have highlighted the importance of having working smoke alarms after were called to a washing machine fire in Burnham.

Crews were called to a house fire in Cedar Grove, Burnham-on-Crouch at 11:33am yesterday (Friday, 28 October) when residents heard their smoke alarms going off.

On arrival, crews reported that a washing machine was on fire. They extinguished the fie by 12:07pm.

Crew Manager Jon Vincent from Burnham-on-Crouch Fire Station said: "This incident really highlights how important it is to have working smoke alarms at home.

"The residents were alerted to the fire quickly and were able to get out of the house quickly.

"If you or someone you know doesn't have working smoke alarms at home, did you know we can fit them for free?

"Please get in touch with our home fire safety team by calling 0300 303 0088 or by visiting www.essex-fire.gov.uk/book."