Firefighters were called to a property in Basildon in the early of hours of the morning, after a portable heater caused a sofa to catch fire.

Crews were called to a property near Valence Way, Basildon at 4.33am this morning after neighbours heard a smoke alarm sounding next door. 

On arrival, firefighters found a sofa on fire in the bedroom which had been caused by a portable heater. 

Crew Manager Matt Watson said: “Even on lower settings, portable heaters left too close to flammable objects or materials can catch alight.

Firefighters were called to an incident on Rayleigh Road, Benfleet this morning. 

Crews have been working to pump water out of a flooded basement. 

Group Manager Mark Eaglestone said: "We've got a number of crews dealing with an incident on Rayleigh Road in Benfleet this morning. Please rest assured that there is no risk to the community." 

Update Saturday 25 January 2pm 

The fire has been extinguished. One crew is on scene monitoring and dampening down any hotspots. 

Update 8.30pm 

Station Manager Scott Fretton said: "The building is completely alight and firefighters are making steady progress, but expect to be here overnight. There is still a lot of low level smoke in the area so if you live nearby please keep your windows and doors shut." 

Firefighters are highlighting the importance of having working smoke alarms after a caravan fire this afternoon.

Crews were called to Goatsmoore Lane, Ingatestone to a caravan on fire at 1.32pm today.

Station Manager John Warmann said: "When crews arrived they could see black smoke in all the windows, the fire had been smouldering for quite a while and has left the caravan completely uninhabitable.

Firefighters were called to reports of a house fire in Little Waltham, Chelmsford on Sunday (19 January) at 7pm.

When firefighters arrived they reported the building, measuring approx. 15m x 4m, was completely on fire.

All occupants were safely out of the property when firefighters arrived.

Fire crews reported a number of tanks and gas bottles were involved in the fire, as well as a large tree. There was also a number of nearby outbuildings which needed to be protected.  Additional fire crews were requested to help tackle the blaze.

Firefighters were called to reports of a fire in a large recycling centre in Basildon this afternoon.

When fire crews arrived, they reported a large pile of recycling waste was alight inside the building. Firefighters worked with on-site staff to develop a plan to safely remove the waste and extinguish it effectively.