A couple managed to escape a massive fire after they were awoken by their pets (Picture: PA)
The owners of a house that was ripped to shreds in a devastating fire were saved by their barking dogs.
Huge flames engulfed a detached property in Essex in the early hours of this morning and the couple inside managed to escape after they were awoken by their two heroic Chihuahuas.
Horrified neighbours described waking to a ‘sea of orange’ after the blaze broke out in the village of Takeley, near Stansted Airport.
Firefighters were called to the scene in Dunmow Road shortly before 2.45am and were able to extinguish the fire.
Pictures show the inferno tearing through the house as crews worked hard to contain the fire.
Images of the aftermath show the sheer scale of the damage caused to the building, with the roof completely destroyed.
Essex Fire and Rescue Service say the house has been left uninhabitable due to the damage.
Neighbours described waking to a ‘terrifying sea of orange’ (Picture: PA)
Huge flames tore through the house in Essex (Credits: PA)
Station manager Terry Maher said: ‘The owners were alerted to the fire by their dogs barking in the early hours of this morning.
‘The fire started in an outbuilding at the rear of the property and quickly spread to the roof of the house.
‘Crews worked incredibly hard, particularly due to the limited water supply, and did a fantastic job in saving the property and horses who were in a nearby stable.
‘I’d also like to thank Stansted Airport Fire Service who were able to support us.’
The roof was completely destroyed and the property has been left uninhabitable due to the damage caused (Picture: PA)
The owners were fortunate to get out after the alarm was raised by their two Chihuahua’s (Picture: PA)
A neighbour told BBC News they woke to find the couple, who live in the house, in the garden with their two pets.
Another spoke of helping crews lead three horses from nearby stables.
They said: ‘It was absolutely terrifying – the stables had filled with smoke, the horses were terrified and we had to lead them through blowing smoke and blowing embers.
‘They were really good in the circumstances, but they were obviously traumatised by what was going on as there were blue lights everywhere, there was the fire and it was dark.
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‘You’re on autopilot then afterwards the shock hits you, but you can’t leave a horse to die of smoke inhalation.’
The road has remained closed while firefighters continue to work at the scene.
An investigation will be carried out to establish the cause of the fire.
Heroic pets to the rescue.
