Firefighters intervened in the fire after a pan was left on the stove.

Essex Fire and Rescue said it was called at 8.40am by residents of a property on Wharf Close in Stanford-le-Hope in Thurrock, Essex, after noticing smoke coming from their kitchen.

The family, affected by smoke, was treated at the scene.

Shift manager Ben Stapleton said: “What we did know was that there was no working smoke alarm so it was fortunate the family noticed the smoke in time.”

Service firefighters detected smoke throughout the home and ventilated the property to clear the smoke.

Mr Stapleton said it was not known how long the pan was left on the stove.

He said: “Had it occurred tonight the fire could have spread undetected and potentially led to a much more serious situation.

“Working smoke alarms are essential; they alert you and your family at the earliest sign of fire. They save lives and protect your property, so it’s essential to have an alarm on every floor of your home.”

Following the incident, crews installed smoke alarms on the property and reminded neighbors of the importance of having working smoke alarms.