PHOTO: Essex home significantly damaged by early morning fire

ESSEX COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- An Essex County home was significantly damaged by fire early Thursday morning.

Just after 5:45 a.m. on Thursday, March 13, crews with the Tappahannock-Essex Volunteer Fire Department were called to a home on Mt. Landing Road for a reported structure fire.

A March 13 house fire in Essex County. (Photo: Tappahannock-Essex Volunteer Fire Department)

When they arrived, firefighters found heavy fire in the back of the home. A photo from the scene, included below, shows what appears to be substantial damage to the structure.

All of those who had been inside the home had escaped before fire crews arrived. According to the department, their smoke detectors woke them up.

Emergency personnel worked to put out the fire and help the family.

Fire officials encourage all residents to make sure their smoke detectors are functioning properly and that they have fresh batteries.