A HOUSE that caught fire earlier this morning (Monday) has been completely devastated , say firefighters. The blaze, which started just after 11am, has destroyed the roof and first floor of a large detached house in Cutlers Green. A woman was rescued fro

A HOUSE that caught fire earlier this morning (Monday) has been 'completely devastated', say firefighters.

The blaze, which started just after 11am, has destroyed the roof and first floor of a large detached house in Cutlers Green.

A woman was rescued from the fire and placed in the care of the ambulance service suffering the affects of smoke inhalation.

Shortly before 5pm, firefighters were also able to save a dog from the burning building.

Crews are continuing to work using hoses, ladders and wearing breathing apparatus. They are turning over and damping down the roof.

At 12.45pm the officer in charge reported that the top floor of the house and the roof were well alight and called for an additional two fire engines for water.

By 2pm the fire had broken through the roof and the house had partially collapsed. Crews have been hampered by a shortage of water and are now using the high volume pump and Suffolk Fire service's water bowser to ensure that crews have a good enough supply to tackle the fire.

Crews from Saffron Walden, Ongar, Dunmow, Newport, Stansted and Wethersfield are attending the scene. Four main jets are being used and crews have carried out a salvage operation.