FIREFIGHTERS rescued two dogs and four hamsters from a smoke-filled property in Pitsea after neighbours alerted Essex Fire and Rescue Service when they heard smoke alarms going off.

Crews were called to Broomfields, Pitsea at 1.13pm yesterday (Tuesday, 17 January) to reports that smoke alarms were going off and the neighbours could smell smoke.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the smoke filled house and found a pan on fire on the hob.

Crews extinguished the fire by 1.32pm and ventilated the property.

Firefighters found two dogs and four hamsters in the property and took them all outside for fresh air.

All the animals were unharmed.

Watch Manager Adam Barber from Basildon Fire Station said: "We'd like to thank the neighbours for calling us today, their quick call when they heard smoke alarms meant we were able to safely rescue the animals inside and prevent the fire spreading.

"If you hear smoke alarms going off, please do not ignore them. Act quickly to call us so we can get there as quickly as we can, it could save a life!"