Firefighters are highlighting the importance of having working smoke alarms at home after a family's "lives were saved" by theirs in Rayleigh yesterday. 

The family heard smoke alarms going off and quickly left their home in Weir Gardens while calling Essex Fire and Rescue at around 6.30pm, with firefighters from Rayleigh and Leigh rushing to the scene.

On arrival, crews reported there was a pan on fire in the kitchen and worked to extinguish the blaze. 

Watch Manager David Taylor from Rayleigh Fire Station said: “The family’s smoke alarms saved their lives and further damage to their home during this incident.

"We recommend you have at least one working smoke alarm on every level of your home as they really do save lives. Test them regularly so you know they’ll alert you if there is a fire in your home. 

“We recommend you test your smoke alarms at least once a month and we can send you a reminder each month through our monthly newsletter. You can sign up at pages.comms.essex-fire.gov.uk/pages/subscribe

“If you or someone you know doesn’t have working smoke alarms at home, we can fit them for free. Please book a free home fire safety visit at essex-fire.gov.uk/book-home-safety-visit.”