FIREFIGHTERS have praised two children who raised the alarm after a toaster caused their kitchen to go up in flames.

Crews from Basildon and Canvey fire stations were called to a property in Grasmere Road, Thundersley, at 1.35pm today.

The smoke alarms were out of action while the homeowners were redecorating, but their two children, Florence and Sonny, smelt the smoke and got their mum’s attention.

Watch manager Rob Fossett said: "A fire had started in the kitchen and caused a lot of smoke. However, the homeowners had removed the smoke alarms while they were redecorating.

"Fortunately, the two children at the property smelt the smoke and alerted their mum who got the family to safety and called 999.

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"Crews made sure the fire, which was caused by a toaster, was completely out and used a fan to clear the smoke.

"Well done to ten-year-old Florence and seven-year-old Sonny for raising the alarm. Their quick actions made sure everyone, including the family's two dogs, got out safely."

The fire was fully extinguished by 2.11pm.

While attending, the crews also installed smoke alarms and made sure neighbouring properties had alarms too, to minimise the risk of future incidents.