A family has been left homeless after their house was gutted by fire.

One parent and three children are believed to be staying in temporary accommodation after the fire on Tuesday evening in Hawthorn Avenue, Brentwood.

The family managed to flee the semi-detached house before firefighters from Brentwood, Ingatestone and Ongar arrived at the scene at 6pm.

The fire started in a bedroom on the upper floor and then spread to the loft.

Smoke-logged

When fire crews arrived 20 per cent of the first floor was alight and the whole of the ground floor was heavily smoked logged.

Initially two engines were sent, but when they arrived the incident commander requested more help and two vehicles from Harold Hill fire station were brought in.

Firefighters brought the fire under control after an hour-and-a-half – some using breathing equipment – with an aerial ladder platform and two hoses.

A large part of the roof has been damaged by the blaze and there is also reported to be damage to a bedroom and smoke damage in the living room.

Assistant Divisional Officer Dave Tayler said: “Crews did extremely well tackling a developed fire in a rear bedroom and loft space.

“The cause of the fire is unknown at this stage and a joint fire and police investigation will be carried out.”

Investigation

White watch manager from Harold Hill fire station, Steve West said: “The fire really reinforces the need to have smoke alarms fitted in your homes.

“In this situation the family had smoke alarms so they were able to leave the property before we arrived.

“This incident was challenging because of the risk of the fire spreading to other houses.”

Essex Fire And Rescue and the police are currently investigating the cause of the fire.