FIREFIGHTERS were called to tackle a kitchen fire which was rapidly spreading upstairs.
Three crews were called at about 6.59pm last night to the fire in Montbretia Close, in Stanway after the owner was alerted by her smoke alarm.
On arrival firefighters reported that the kitchen was 100 per cent alight and the fire was rapidly spreading to the upstairs and roof area, which were both heavily smoke logged.
Firefighters worked to stop further spreading and extinguished the fire by 8pm.
Watch manager Darren Holliday, of Colchester Fire Station, said: "The homeowner was upstairs when she heard the smoke alarm so she quickly got out of the house and called 999, which was the right thing to do.
"This fire spread rapidly, so this shows how important it is to have a smoke alarm to alert you to the first sign of the fire."
The cause of the fire is believed to be accidental.
The kitchen has been completely destroyed and the house has been damaged by smoke and fire.
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