Fire crews were called to a flat fire on Algate Road, Clacton at around 3:30 this morning.
One man was trapped in the flat and a 999 Fire Control Operator kept him on the phone until fire crews located him and led him to safety.
The fire was extinguished just after 5:00am by two engines from Clacton and one from Weeley.
The cause of the fire is unknown at this stage and the Fire Service is carrying out an investigation.
A spokesperson from East of England Ambulance Service said: "We were asked to attend the scene by the fire service.
"We did not treat anyone at the scene. There were no casualties."
A police spokesperson added: "We were called to the scene by the fire service at 4.40am.
"There was a small fire in the communal landing. The cause is being investigated by police and fire services."
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