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Five four-week-old kittens saved from house fire

Rachael McMenemy
News imageEssex County Fire and Rescue Service Five ginger kittens, one with black markings, inside a cushioned pet carrier.Essex County Fire and Rescue Service
Firefighters gave the kittens oxygen after they were rescued

Five four-week-old kittens have been saved from a house fire in a town.

Essex Fire and Rescue was called to reports of a blaze at a terraced home in Virgil Road, Witham, at 16:12 BST on Thursday.

The fire started in a first floor bedroom from an electrical fan, the fire service said.

Firefighters rescued a group of kittens and gave them oxygen with specialised animal masks.

News imageEssex County Fire and Rescue Service A blackened wall with butterfly decorations. There is smoke damage across the white wall and windowsill. A bed with desk underneath and ladder is visible.Essex County Fire and Rescue Service
The fire began in a first floor bedroom of the terraced house

Darrel Drake, the service's crew manager, said: "The occupants did exactly the right thing after noticing the fire; they made sure everyone got out, they stayed out and they called 999.

"They were also able to close the bedroom door, which stopped the fire from spreading."

Crews left the scene by 18:00, the service added.

News imageEssex County Fire and Rescue Service A metal electric fan that is blackened after a fire. It is placed on a grey carpet.Essex County Fire and Rescue Service
Firefighters say an electric fan started the fire

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