Firefighters have urged people to be careful when using candles and tea lights after a fire in a flat in Laindon on Valentines Day (Tuesday) evening.

Crews were called to a first floor flat in Beeston Courts and when they arrived, the property was completely smoke logged.

Fortunately, the occupants of the property had been alerted by working smoke alarms and able to get out safely and call 999.

The fire was extinguished by 9.34pm.

Firefighters were called to reports of a fire in Foster Street, near Harlow on Sunday evening.

On arrival, crews confirmed that a large amount of straw, covering an area around 60 metres by 30 metres, was completely alight.

Crews worked hard to get the fire surrounded and prevent it from spreading further. Control teams received a large amount of calls to the incident, with the fire visible from the nearby M11 - if you notice the fire or smoke in the area, please don't be concerned.

Firefighters were called to reports of a fire in a large barn in Langley Lower Green.

When firefighters arrived they reported the barn measured approximately 8 metres by 23 metres. The barn contained a large quantity of straw.

Firefighters had to find and establish a good water supply in order to provide enough water to help tackle the blaze.

At 8pm, firefighters were still at the scene fighting the fire.

By 9pm, the fire was under control so the number of firefighters was being reduced. Two fire engines remained at the scene.

Firefighters have issued a warning to homeowners following a kitchen fire in Colchester this morning.

Watch Manager Ian Ryder, Colchester Fire Station said:

"We are urging residents in Essex to keep their hobs and oven completely clear. This morning we were called out to a kitchen fire which started after a cardboard box was left on top of an electric hob. The hob had been turned on accidentally by the family's pet dog.

Firefighters are highlighting the importance of keeping your hob clear after a kitchen fire in Basildon yesterday.

Crews were called to a house fire in Redgrave Road at 1:30pm.

On arrival, crews reported that the kitchen was smoke logged.

Firefighters believe the fire started when a chopping board left on the hob had caught alight.

Crew Manager Fin Tubby from Basildon Fire Station said: “Please keep your hob clear once you’ve finished cooking. We’ve seen fires where people have accidentally left the hob on or pets have jumped up and turned them on.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service's (ECFRS) control staff made their own rescue last night following a road traffic collision. 

The team provides a vital service by answering 999 calls and organsing resources across the county to make sure the right response reaches the right people in an emergency.

However, they aren't usually the ones to provide the rescue themselves. 

Crews were called to a house in Winnock Road, Colchester, last night (Monday) after reports of a house fire. 

On arrival firefighters reported the fire was in an upstairs bedroom and quickly tackled it. 

Following an investigation, officers determined that the fire was caused by a fault in a digital timer that powered the immersion heater. 

Colchester Fire Station's White Watch Manager said:

"There were no smoke alarms in this man's home. As firefighters, we simply can not understand why there are still homes without smoke alarms.