PHOTOS: Firefighters rescue dog during kitchen fire

Firefighters rescued a dog during a kitchen fire in Rochford.

Crews were called to a kitchen fire in Parklands, Rochford at 3:34pm after neighbours called us when they heard smoke alarms going off.

On arrival, crews worked to rescue a dog from the property and extinguished the fire by 4:04pm.

The fire destroyed the kitchen but was prevented from spreading throughout the house due to the resident closing all of the doors within the property before going out for the day.

The dog was unharmed during the incident and left in the care of its owner.

Crew Manager Rick Jones from Hawkwell Fire Station said: “This incident highlights why it’s really important you have working smoke alarms at home…they don’t just alert you to a fire, they also alert neighbours and passers by which can help save your property if you’re not home. Many of us have pets at home too and working smoke alarms helped to save the dog’s life during this incident.

“We’d like to praise the neighbours who acted quickly to call us to this incident, never ignore a smoke alarm going off. Act quickly to dial 999 if you hear a smoke alarm going off.”

Do you have working smoke alarms in your home?

Smoke alarms save lives. They can alert your family as well as your neighbours and passers-by to a fire in your home if you're not home, or are unable to hear it.

If you or someone you know doesn’t have working smoke alarms, please get in touch. Visit: essex-fire.gov.uk/book or call 0300 303 0088.