Firefighters rushed to a home in Rochford on Sunday morning after a woman discovered a fire in her bedroom. 

Essex Fire and Rescue Service were told that the homeowner heard a loud bang upstairs and noticed smoke coming from a window, before calling 999. 

Crews from Rochford and Hawkwell arrived quickly at the address in Ashcombe at around 9.25am, where they found the first floor heavily smoke-logged. 

Watch manager Gary Shinn from Hawkwell Fire Station said: “We believe the fire was caused when heat from the log burner’s flue ignited the floor joists, which then spread to a wardrobe and other nearby materials. 

"Unfortunately, the bedroom was completely destroyed. However, the homeowner had recently attended a fire safety course and, thanks to her quick thinking in closing all the internal doors, the fire was contained, preventing further damage to the rest of the house.” 

The fire was fully extinguished by 10.15am and firefighters continued to ventilate the property. 

Essex Fire and Rescue Service has issued safety advice for homes with chimneys to prevent fires. 

Using a qualified installer, ensuring the correct installation, clearance and installing a fireproof heart, next to having working smoke alarms, are measures to keep homes safe.