Firefighters were relieved to find a blaze already out after their engine broke down on its way to the call.

Manningtree Fire and Rescue Service responded at 8.30am yesterday to reports of a kitchen blaze. However, problems developed as the firefighters made their way to the house in Fitzgerald Close, Lawford.

Officer Peter Amoss said: "Our machine cut out on the way so the Colchester one was ordered as a back-up. Fortunately, we were only 50 yards from the fire so we could still get to it."

The blaze had started in a washing machine but had been put out with a garden hose before the fire service arrived.

"We did drive back to the station OK," added Mr Amoss.

Published Friday, January 28, 2005

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