A FAMILY have been made homeless after a kitchen fire in Laindon which caused serious smoke damage.

Essex fire crews were called to a kitchen fire in Southwell Link, Laindon at 11.32am.

Firefighters have now urged people to take steps to keep their hob clear following the blaze in Laindon.

On arrival, crews reported that the ground floor was heavily smoke-logged.

Firefighters had put out the fire by 12.05pm.

The family have been made homeless due to the smoke damage, crews say.

Watch manager Marc Kyprianou, from Basildon Fire Station, said: “Once you’ve finished cooking, please clear your hob, keeping them clear of anything that can catch alight like tea towels. If you can, switch it off at the wall.

“We’ve seen fires where the hob has accidentally been turned on, it’s easily done but keeping your hob clear after you’re done using it can reduce the risk of a devastating fire.”