FIREFIGHTERS were called to a blaze in a kitchen in a first-floor flat on Timberlog Lane, Basildon, this evening (Wednesday, 17 March)

The alarm was raised just after 6pm when a pan of oil caught light.

On arrival firefighters from Basildon, Corringham and Wickford reported that the kitchen was completely alight and worked to extinguish the fire by 6.33pm.

Basildon station manager Craig McLellan said: "Firefighters worked really well to contain the fire to the flat and stop it spreading to other properties or communal areas.

"The fire started after a pan of oil caught alight and the resident then tried to extinguish it with water.

"If you ever find yourself faced with a cooking oil fire never pour water on it or try to use a tea towel to extinguish it. So many people still follow this outdated advice and it's so dangerous. If you're in this situation just get out, stay out and call 999."

The kitchen has been left with fire damage and there is smoke damage throughout the flat.