FIREFIGHTERS were called to a blaze in a bungalow after the owners were alerted by a fire alarm.

Crews from Witham and Maldon were called to Wood Road in Heybridge at 9.10am this morning.

On arrival they found a fire within the lounge area spanning around five square metres and that the rest of the building was filled with smoke.

Firefighters extinguished the fire by 9.54am.

The fire was caused by a faulty gas boiler and left most of the lounge destroyed, while the rest of the property suffered from smoke damage.

The tenant has been temporarily rendered homeless, but was able to safely evacuate the building after being alerted by the alarm.

Essex Fire Service fits fire alarms in your home completely free of charge.

To arrange a free home fire safety visit, call 0300 303 0088 or email webmaster@essex-fire.gov.uk.