TWO firefighter crews tackled a kitchen blaze after a neighbour heard the smoke alarm.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service attended a house in Stanway Road, Waltham Abbey, at around 8.29pm yesterday, October 12.

Crews from Loughton and Waltham Abbey rushed to the scene after a neighbour heard a smoke alarm and called 999.

Upon arrival, firefighters spotted smoke coming from the kitchen window of a property and saw a woman.

The crews led the woman to safety and entered the property.

The fire, which started after a toaster caught fire, was extinguished, and the property was then cleared of smoke.

Temporary Crew Manager Dan Pond said: "Although the resident was at home during the time of the incident, she froze through shock when she saw the fire. 

"Thankfully she had working smoke alarms, which the neighbours heard and then called 999.

“If it hadn't been for the neighbours taking action after hearing the alarms this could have been a very different outcome.

"Our advice is clear - smoke alarms save lives and it's so important you have at least one working alarm on each level of your home."

The Essex County Fire and Rescue provides a service where it visits homes in Essex and fits smoke alarms for free.

To book a visit, call call 0300 303 0088 or complete an online form.