A DOG was left in need of oxygen therapy after a storage cupboard caught fire. 

Firefighters from Colchester were called to an incident in Magdalen Street on Thursday after a family was woken up by the smell of smoke and the sound of their fire alarms. 

The resident was able to escape the family home at around 10.45pm with her two children. 

Once the crews arrived, they managed to extinguish a fire in a storage cupboard, which was believed to have been caused by an electrical fault in a light fitting. 

Thanks to the fire crews, a dog and a cat were also brought to safety, and after receiving oxygen therapy from the firefighters, the dog was left in the care of a vet. 

Watch Manager Ian Ryder from Colchester Fire Station said: “This incident really highlights the importance of having working smoke alarms. 

“A fire can happen at any time and having smoke alarms can give you an early warning to a fire, giving you and your family time to escape.” 

Essex Fire and Rescue staff highlighted the importance of working smoke alarms after the incident. 

The emergency service offers home safety visits to help reduce the risk of fire in homes. 

Mr Ryder added: “We want everyone in Essex to have working smoke alarms at home and would encourage you to book a free home fire safety visit from us where we can fit smoke alarms for free if you need them.  

“Find out more at www.essex-fire.gov.uk/book.”