A fire broke out in a Colchester barracks while soldiers were out training.
The blaze left the accommodation block's ground floor 50 per cent damaged by smoke.
About four soldiers had to be moved to other accommodation at the Hyderabad Barracks, off Mersea Road, after the fire on Monday.
Colchester Fire Station officer Dave Bridgman said everyone had been evacuated by the time the firefighters arrived at about 4.50pm.
"The fire itself was very small but was very slow burning. Because the building had been empty for several hours that afternoon the building had become smoke-logged," he said.
The fire started in one of the soldier's bedding areas, Mr Bridgman said.
An investigation has been launched into the cause of the fire but it is not believed to be suspicious.
Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article