FIREFIGHTERS have issued a warning to homeowners about the importance of working smoke alarms after a blaze destroyed a bungalow in Clacton.

Two fire crews from Clacton and a crew from Weeley were called to the property, in London Road, at 5.11pm on Saturday.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said the property, next to Highfield Grange Holiday Park, was completely destroyed.

A spokesman said firefighters tackled the fire externally, due to difficultly in accessing the property, but had extinguished the blaze by 6.25pm.

Watch manager Andy Marshall said: "The property had no working smoke alarms, and because the homeowner was not in at the time, the fire was not discovered until it had taken hold and already spread across the property.

"The cause of the fire has been recorded as accidental, and at this point we think it was due to an electrical fault with a recently purchased second hand fridge.

"Warm weather like on Saturday will have made this item work harder than usual, and a fault may then have caused it to catch fire.

"Whenever you buy any electrical item it is always important to be as sure as you can that it's in good working condition.

"Regardless of the warranty, where you bought it, or when you bought it, it’s important you register your appliance - this way you can stay up to day on any safety messages or recalls."

Matt Clowes, from Clacton, was on his way to a family party when he spotted the blaze.

He said: "As I drove down the road I saw the smoke, so pulled over.

"A woman made it out safely and didn’t seem to be injured - she was devastated.

"A neighbour called the fire brigade and I blocked off the road as it was unsafe until the emergency services turned up.

"The smoke was really thick and was dangerous to drive through."

Staff from the neighbouring holiday park also attended the scene.

It is understood people were evacuated from nearby caravans as a precaution before being allowed to return.

A spokesman for Essex County Fire and Rescue Service called on residents to ensure smoke alarms are fitted.

He said: "Smoke alarms save lives. They give you an early warning so you and your family have time to safely get out, stay out and call the fire service out.

"Essex County Fire and Rescue Service fit smoke alarms completely free of charge."

To book your visit call 0300 303 0088 or go to essex-fire.gov.uk/book. Electrical appliances can be registered online by visiting registermyappliance.org.uk.