FIRE crews were scrambled to Colchester last night to a fire which completely burned down a house.

Crews were called to a fire in Daniel Cole Road, Colchester, yesterday evening to a house that was 100 per cent alight.

A fire service spokesman said: "On arrival crews reported that the house was 100% alight, and worked to tackle the fire both from the ground and from height, using the aerial ladder platform.

"Firefighters extinguished the fire by 11.50pm and stayed on site until the early hours of the morning to check for hotspots.

"The house has been completely destroyed.

"One female, who was out of the house before crews arrived, was left in the care of the Ambulance Service.

"An investigation will take place to determine the cause of the fire."

An ambulance spokesman said: "The East of England Ambulance Service Trust was called to a house fire in Colchester at 9.16pm last night (26th May).

"An ambulance and a rapid response vehicle attended and treated a woman believed to be in her 4os with minor injuries.

"She was taken to Colchester General Hospital for further care and assessment.

"Her injuries are not believed to be life-threatening."

Update 3.52pm: The fire has been recorded as accidental.

Fire station manager Simon Dedham said: "The fire appears to have started in the kitchen, where a chip pan had been left unattended. Incidents like these show how dangerous it can be to leave cooking unattended. 

"When the homeowner discovered the fire she attempted to extinguish it herself and as a result suffered injury. Our advice to people after discovering a fire is always to get out, stay out, and then call 999.

“Unfortunately a moment's distraction has meant that the house is completely destroyed by fire.”