CARE home residents had to be evacuated after the entire ground floor of the property became smoke-logged.

Firefighters were called to the scene in London Road, Black Notley, shortly before 5.15pm today after the care home’s kitchen caught fire.

Three crews tackled the incidents as Saffron Walden firefighters confirmed the entire ground floor of the building was smoke-logged.

Care workers had managed to evacuate 16 residents from the building as the blaze began to spread and, thankfully, no one was harmed.

Gazette: Incident - three crews attended the fireIncident - three crews attended the fire

Howard Midwood, station manager, said: "I'd like to thank watch manager Paul Curtis and his crew from Saffron Walden who were in the area and first on scene this evening.

“They did an excellent job of getting the fire under control as quickly as possible.

"The employees at this care home were also quick-thinking and did the right thing in getting everyone out safely and letting our firefighters tackle the fire. We really appreciate their support.

"Fortunately, while the kitchen area has been badly damaged, most of the damage has been contained."

The fire was extinguished shortly after 6pm, with the cause recorded as accidental.