A MOTHER died trying to save her 11-year-old daughter's life in a devastating house fire after the girl went upstairs to save the family pets, an inquest has heard. 

The inquest at Chelmsford Coroners' Court heard how Alina Kordaszewska, 41, and daughter Emilia Kordaszewska, 11, were killed in the house fire in South Street, Braintree, which was caused by two Airwick candles in the living room.

Both mother and daughter were found in Emilia's bedroom at the back of the house.

The inquest heard after the accidental fire broke out on December 22, Emilia had gone up to her bedroom possibly to rescue some of the family's pets, which included a cat and gerbils or guinea pigs.

The eldest daughter Milena, 18, made it out of the property and the girls' father Rafal was not thought to be home at the time.

Mrs Kordaszewska followed Emilia to get her out of the house but neither survived.

The inquest heard how Mrs Kordaszewska died from smoke inhalation.

Emilia, who was a pupil at Notley High School in Braintree, died from burns and smoke inhalation.

Speaking at the inquest, DI Mark Cadd of Essex Police said: "Milena had gone to bed, she was due to work in the morning, leaving her mum, aunty and sister downstairs.

"She was woken up by her sister who was screaming. She ran downstairs and seen the coffee table and sofa were alight. 

"The flames were orange and as tall as her - 5ft 6. Milena tried to find something to put it out but by the time she got to the kitchen the room was filled with black smoke. 

"She heard her sister crying out 'mum' and raised the alarm.

"Isabela was in the bathroom and followed Milena down the stairs and outside.

"They both said to me that they knew Emilia was there and thought she came out with them, but when they turned around they couldn't see her. 

"Emilia had gone up to her small, single bedroom at the top rear of the house to get something or some pets that she wanted to get out of the fire.

"The dog got out but there was a family cat and gerbils or guinea pigs.

"The scene was devastated by fire damage.

"I believe her mother has gone to get her out and unfortunately they were found together in Emilia's bedroom."

"Alina went for her daughter, has attempted to save her and was overcome by smoke inhalation. We do not believe the fire was started deliberately. 

"It was a very tragic and upsetting incident for all those concerned and the support from the residents, local community and Polish community was phenomenal."

Essex Fire Service division officer Mark Earwicker said: "When we arrived there were flames out of every window apart from the front one on the ground floor.

"We were initially limited to external fire fighting, only until the flames could be adequately controlled.

"The fire was most severe in the lounge downstairs, it was open plan with the kitchen. The lounge was almost in the middle [of the house] and there was a doorway that led to the hallway.

"We concluded the most likely cause is due to candles igniting furniture close by. Sketches drawn by Milena showed a two-seater sofa close by."