A TOASTER is believed to have started a fire which engulfed a kitchen on Friday.

Firefighters from Great Baddow and Chelmsford were called to Tydemans, in Great Baddow, at about 12noon to reports of a fire in the kitchen of a house.

Crews used a dry powder to put out the flames within 20 minutes and their initial investigations indicated the blaze was caused by the property’s toaster.

Following the incident, Essex Fire and Rescue divisional officer Neil Fenwick urged people to ensure household electrical appliances are checked regularly.

Mr Fenwick said: “All too often it is the simple things that people could check for themselves that can lead to a serious accident.

“So we are urging everyone to make basic visual checks around the home to ensure its electrical safety.

“This check should look for old or worn flexes and make sure that all appliances are clean, well cared for and in good working order.”