Firefighters are highlighting the importance of fire doors after a kitchen fire in Great Easton last night.

Crews were called to a sheltered accommodation in Dunmow Road, Great Easton at 10:20pm.

On arrival, firefighters reported a flat was heavily smoke logged.

Firefighters wearing Breathing Apparatus entered the flat and found a fire in the kitchen.

Crews believe the fire was caused when an item on the hob caught alight when the cooker was accidentally turned on.

Firefighters have been working to pump floodwater away from houses in St Osyth after heavy rainfall.

On arrival, crews reported that 12 properties were being affected by floodwater.

Crews have been working to pump the water away from the houses alongside partners in Tendring District Council and the water company. 

Station Manager Nick Singleton from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said: “With more rain on the way, you can help to protect your home from floodwater by:

Crews were called to Shelley Avenue in Basildon this morning after a roof caught on fire while work was being carried out on it. 

On arrival, firefighters discovered a semi-detached bungalow with its roof 100% alight. 

The fire was extinguished by 10:40am. 

Crews gave first aid to two people at the scene who suffered smoke inhalation and minor burns. 

Monitoring Officer for the incident, Toby Ingham said: “Crews did really well to contain the fire and stop it from reaching the nearby properties. 

Five pets have been rescued from a house fire in Southend.

Firefighters were called to the terrace house in Lundy Close, Eastwood, Southend, after the homeowner discovered their e-bike was on fire in an area under the stairs. 

On arrival firefighters reported the fire was well developed on the ground floor and beginning to spread upstairs. 

Watch Manager Richard Blakebrough Leigh Fire Station, said: 

"Our firefighters did a fantastic job of containing the fire and stopping it spreading any further.

Crews were called to The Strood, Mersea, in the early hours of this morning after a car became stuck in rising tidal water.

Watch Manager Ian Ryder said:

"The car was an electric vehicle and because of this all the systems cut out as the tidal water began to surround it. 

"Driving through flood water or tidal water is not worth the risk - it's dangerous for both you and your vehicle."

Firefighters worked with the water rescue team to help the driver exit his vehicle and move to safety by 2am.

Firefighters have issued a warning after the sun's reflection in a mirror caused a dressing gown to catch alight. 

Two crews from Basildon were called to Short Lane, South Hanningfield, this morning after a resident returned home from a walk and smelled smoke. 

On further investigation he realised his dressing gown has started to catch fire because the sun had reflected off a mirror directly onto the clothing. 

Watch Manager Darryl Worster, Basildon Fire Station, said:

Firefighters rescued a man after he became trapped in a trench.

The man was doing building work when he fell into 8ft deep footings.

Crews from Rayleigh Weir, Rochford, Brentwood and our Urban Search and Rescue team attended.

They used air bags to stabilise the ground around him, dug a "relief trench" to distribute the weight and were eventually able to dig him out.

Despite being cold and uncomfortable, he was conscious and breathing.