FIREFIGHTERS are advising residents not to cook while tired after a man was rescued during a kitchen fire in Colchester earlier today.

Crews from Colchester, Wivenhoe and Brightlingsea were called to a kitchen fire in Rosalind Close, Colchester after a neighbour called 999 when they heard smoke alarms going off.

On arrival, crews reported that there was a fire in an oven and the kitchen was full of smoke.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus searched the property for anyone inside and rescued a man from the building who had been asleep when the fire started.

Crews gave the man first aid for smoke inhalation and he was left in the care of the Ambulance Service.

Firefighters praised the neighbour for calling the fire service when hearing their neighbour’s smoking alarm going off.

Rich Lark, watch manager from Colchester Fire Station said: “If you are feeling tired, we recommend that you don’t cook. Make a sandwich instead or order a takeaway if you are hungry.

“We’d like to praise the man’s neighbour who acted quickly to call us when hearing the smoke alarms going off and the quick actions undoubtedly saved the man life.

“Please always act quickly when hearing smoke alarms from your neighbour’s home of if you are passing by. Don’t assume somebody else has already called us.”

If you or someone you know does not have working smoke alarms visit essex-fire.gov.uk/book or call 0300 303 0088.