A family were alerted by a passerby after firebugs set fire to leaves in the porch of their home.
The large pile of burning leaves set fire to the front door of the house on Camulodunum Way, Colchester.
Firefighters were called at 9pm last night and put out the flames.
Station officer Lee Neale said: "The fire was started maliciously. It is being investigated by a fire investigation officer and the police have been informed."
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