FIREFIGHTERS are highlighting the importance of keeping kitchen hobs clear after a family was rendered homeless after a blaze in Laindon today (Sunday, 19 February).

Crews were called to a kitchen fire in Southwell Link at 11:32am and, on arrival, they reported that the ground floor was heavily smoke-logged.

Firefighters extinguished the fire by 12:05pm.

The family has been rendered homeless due to the smoke damage.

Watch Manager Marc Kyprianou from Basildon Fire Station said: "Once you've finished cooking, please clear your hob, keeping them clear of anything that can catch alight like tea towels. If you can, switch it off at the wall.

"We've seen fires where the hob has accidentally been turned on, it's easily done but keeping your hob clear after you're done using it can reduce the risk of a devastating fire."