Two dogs have died in a fire after a mobile home was caught alight that is believed to have started after some cooking was left unattended.

Firecrews from Waltham Abbey and Harlow were called to the blaze on Bechers Lane, Waltham Abbey, just after 1.15pm on Saturday, February 1.

On arrival, firefighters reported that the mobile home, which measured four metres x seven metres, was 100 per cent alight.

Firefighters extinguished the fire by 2:05pm and the mobile home was left completely destroyed.

Sadly, two dogs died at the scene and another dog was found unharmed near the area.

Watch manager Ross Daynes from Harlow Fire Station said: “We urge the public to keep a close eye when cooking and to make sure you don't leave it unattended…if you need to leave the room, take the cooking off the hob or turn the heat down so there's no risk of a fire developing while you're not there.

“I’d also like to highlight the importance of having working smoke alarms in your home, they alert you to the first sign of fire and give you vital time to get out, stay out and call the Fire Service out.”

Cooking safety advice from Essex County Fire & Rescue Service are:

• Take care if you need to leave the kitchen while cooking, take pans off the heat or turn them down to avoid risk

• Avoid leaving children in the kitchen alone when cooking on the hob. Keep matches and saucepan handles out of their reach to keep them safe

• Make sure saucepan handles don’t stick out – so they don’t get knocked off the stove

• Take care if you’re wearing loose clothing – this can easily catch fire

• Keep tea towels and cloths away from the cooker and hob

• Double check the cooker is off when you’ve finished cooking

Essex County Fire & Rescue Service want every home to be provided with a smoke alarms offer that gives you a chance to escape your home safely.

To arrange your free fitting, call 0300 303 0088 or visit essex-fire.gov.uk/book