The occupants of a home had a lucky escape after an accident involving cooking oil caused their kitchen to burst into flames.

Crews were called to Loughton Way, Buckhurst Hill, at around 11am on Saturday morning to reports a one-storey property was on fire.

Firefighters from Loughton and Woodford stations were able to contain the blaze, which had been caused after cooking oil was accidentally set on fire.

The fire was completely extinguished by 10.50am.

A woman in her 20s was left in the care of ambulance crews to receive treatment for smoke inhalation, but no other injuries were reported.

A smoke alarm had alerted residents to the fire quickly and the building had been evacuated prior to the arrival of emergency services.

An Essex Fire and Rescue spokesman said: “This incident shows how important smoke alarms are.

“The excellent protection they provide allowed this fire to be contained before it became much more serious.

“We want every home in Essex to be fitted with a working smoke alarm. If you do not yet have one, we'll come and fit one free of charge.”

To arrange a smoke alarm fitting, call: 0300 303 0088 or visit: essex-fire.gov.uk/book.