FIRE chiefs issued a warning over the dangers of not having a smoke alarm after a Kendal home was badly damaged by a nighttime blaze.
Station manager for Kendal Callum Graham urged residents, especially those in rural properties, to take advantage of the free home safety check and alarm fitting service.
"We would ask people to think for a moment, if a fire occurred in their property at night, how easy would they be able to get out?
"The sad fact is, 70 per cent of people are already dead before the fire and rescue service arrives and alarms provide enough warning for people to get out in time," he said.
Mr Graham issued the warning after three fire engines rushed to Gillerthwaiterigg Lane at around 9.10pm last night (Wednesday) to tackle a bedroom fire.
He said that, although nobody was hurt in the fire, the occupants were lucky to escape, as they did not have a smoke alarm fitted.
Hose reels, breathing apparatus and thermal imaging cameras were used as 16 fire fighters managed to contain the fire to the second floor of the farmhouse and stop it spreading to the roof.
Mr Graham said a defective chimney flue caused the fire and said six people were evacuated from the property before it became a real safety concern.
House owners Chris and Jean Cookson said the upstairs bedroom, in which the fire began, was completely destroyed.
"We smelled burning so Jean went upstairs and it was well alight by then. It is completely destroyed," said Mr Cookson.
"I could not believe it, I just shut the door and rang the fire brigade but it is a good job that we found it when we did.
"I think I saved a lot of upstairs by shutting the door. Its only just starting to hit me what actually happened," said Mrs Cookson.
For a free home safety check and alarm fitting service, telephone Kendal Fire Station on 01539-722627 or freephone 0800-358-477.
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