BADLY parked cars delayed firefighters in attending to a blaze and could have put a man's life in danger.

The man was rescued from his home in Albion Street, Rowhedge, by his partner and a neighbour.

But fire crews struggled to get to the address when they were called just after 9.30pm on Saturday because they were blocked by two inconsiderately parked cars which were on double yellow lines on a junction.

The firefighters had to knock on doors to find the owners of the vehicles and get them to move them out the way and they were delayed by ten minutes.

Fortunately, when firefighters arrived, a man in his fifties had been rescued by his partner and a neighbour.

Watch manager at Colchester Fire Station Darren Holliday hit out at the selfish motorists.

He said: "It is incredibly frustrating when inconsiderately parked cars not only prevent us from doing our job, but quite frankly put lives at risk as they did in this case.

"Please, when parking your car, think: could a fire engine get through easily? If the answer is no, please don't run the risk.

"We also believe that this fire had been burning for a considerable amount of time before it was discovered.

"This man was fortunate to have been woken up by his wife and a neighbour - if the property had working smoke alarms fitted, both occupants would have been notified much sooner.

"I would urge everyone to check that the smoke alarms in their home are working and if you don't have any fitted, to call us to arrange a free fitting on 0300 303 0088 or by visiting essex-fire.gov.uk/book."

Firefighters plan to revisit the road to reassure residents, provide fire safety advice and fit smoke alarms where necessary.

The fire started accidentally after a kitchen roll, which ignited after being placed too close to a hob, was discarded in the garden after not being properly extinguished.

Firefighters were able to restrict damage to a pergola in the garden area and a downstairs toilet, but much of the property has also been affected by smoke.

The man was taken to hospital after being given first aid by firefighters, having suffered severe smoke inhalation.