A COUPLE had a lucky escape after a faulty fridge freezer is thought to have caused a fire in their flat.

Firefighters were called to the flat above a bakery in Connaught Road in Frinton at 6.50am today.

The kitchen was destroyed in the blaze, which crews put out by 8.30am.

Leading firefighter Anthony Clement said: "We believe the fire was caused by a fridge freezer. The kitchen was destroyed by the fire.

"There was a smoke alarm in the flat but it had no batteries.

"The two occupants were very lucky because they were woken up by the alarm from the bakery below.

"The kitchen fire would have cut off their escape from the property, if they had not been woken. They were very fortunate."

Each year the Service is called to nearly ten kitchen fires a week.

The fire service issued the following safety advice as a result of this morning's fire:

- Avoid leaving cooking unattended and never leave children in the kitchen alone.
- Take care if you’re wearing loose clothing – they can easily catch fire.
- Keep tea towels and cloths away from the cooker and hob.
- Check toasters are clean and placed away from curtains and kitchen rolls.
- Keep the oven, hob and grill clean and in good working order. A build-up of fat and grease can ignite a fire.
- Take care when cooking with hot oil – it sets alight easily. If the oil starts to smoke – it’s too hot. Turn off the heat and leave it to cool. Ideally cook oven chips but if you are deep fat frying then use a thermostat controlled electric deep fat fryer - they can’t overheat.
- Never try to cook after a night out drinking. It is far better to grab a kebab on the way home than to attempt to cook while intoxicated.

To arrange a free home fire safety visit, during which smoke alarms will be fitted free of charge, call 0300 303 0088 or email webmaster@essex-fire.gov.uk/