UPDATED 5.30PM

The fire was extinguished at 3.40pm but crews will remain at the scene into the evening to dampen down hot spots.

Group Manager Mark Eaglestone said: "The fire started to the rear of a mid-terrace house, spread through the property and into the roof. It then affected the roofs of five other terraced properties.

"Crews worked extremely hard to create a fire break and did a fantastic job of stopping it from spreading further."

Firefighters are highlighting the importance of having working smoke alarms after a bungalow fire in Clacton last night. 

Crews were called to Leas Road, Clacton at 10:33pm after the resident called for help when a cigarette caught a chair alight. 

On arrival, crews reported that the bungalow was heavily smoke logged and extinguished the fire. 

A woman was left in the care of the Ambulance Service. 

The bungalow has been heavily smoke damaged. 

Firefighters were called to Bemerton Gardens, Kirby Cross at 6.57pm last night. 

On arrival, crews confirmed it was a fire in a flat which was fully smoke logged. 

Watch Manager Dave Garrett said: “There was a power cut in the area when the resident was cooking. By the time the power came on, the owner had forgotten that the food was still left on the hob which caught alight. 

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.