Families have been left homeless after a fire ripped through two properties in Great Notley.

Fire crews were called to Ploughmans Lane, on Monday evening at 6.50pm.

Upon arrival, firefighters found the whole roof of a semi-detached property was on fire, and the blaze was quickly spreading to the adjoining house.

Nikki Hammond, is a close friend of homeowner Jannine Naughton Prime, and called the fire service after spotting smoke coming from her friend’s property.

She said: “I was sat in my garden with my daughter and Jannine’s seven-year-old daughter eating dinner.

“We all looked up and there was smoke billowing up from the house. I told the girls to stay here and ran out.

“Within 15 minutes flames were coming out through the roof.”

One casualty suffered slight smoke inhalation and minor burns during the blaze, and was cared for by the ambulance service at the scene.

Ms Hammond said: “Jannine was in the garden at the time and went inside to see what was happening.

“She was covered in soot when she came outside.

“She is extremely lucky she was not seriously hurt.

“I think adrenaline took over when I saw the flames and I ran over there to try to keep Jannine calm.”

Five crews from Braintree, Coggeshall, Chelmsford and Colchester were needed to battle the huge blaze and had the fire under control by 9.40pm.

Both homes suffered serious damage and have been left uninhabitable.

Ms Hammond said: “The firefighters worked so hard and were real heroes.

“They were coming out of the house sweating and absolutely shattered.”

After the shock of the fire, friends and neighbours set up a fundraising page in aid of the young family.

The page raised nearly £2,000 in 24 hours.

The Friends of Notley Green Primary School also organised a collection of clothes and donations at short notice on Tuesday.

Ms Hammond said: “When something like this happens people pull together and it has restored my faith in humanity.

“I didn’t realise it was such a close community here until now.

“There is a lot of relief no one was hurt. Everyone was thinking of the South Street fire in Braintree, which wasn’t very long ago.

“We must say a big thank you to everyone who has donated already, but any more donations would be appreciated.”

Essex Fire and Rescue Service believe the fire was started by a candle and issued safety advice at the scene.

To donate, visit https://bit.ly/2KnkKOj.

Although the family living next door to where the blaze originated are not appealing for help, donations to them can be made by visiting www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/laura-jones-702.