A DOG was rescued by firefighters after it was trapped inside a burning flat. 

Crews were called out to the scene early this morning (May 11) in Wimbourne, Laindon, after a neighbour had rung 999. 

They had made the emergency call after their own carbon monoxide alarm was set off by smoke coming from next door. 

The heat from the fire was said to be so intense it could be felt on the neighbour's own front door.

Firefighters had to force their way into the burning flat because the occupants were out at the time. 

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The blaze was contained to the kitchen and was extinguished within an hour. 

A dog inside the property was taken to safety and fan equipment used to remove smoke. 

A fire service spokesman added: "It is believed the fire was caused by an electrical fault with a fridge/freezer and spread to cardboard and cereal boxes on top of it.

"The flat was completely filled with smoke, although fire and heat damage was limited to the kitchen."