A SMOKE alarm probably "saved the lives" of a mother and son who escaped a kitchen blaze last night.

Heavy smoke spread through the terraced property in Garnett Street, Barrowford at 12.40am after the grill was accidentally left switched on.

Fire crews said oil inside the cooker ignited and sparked a blaze in the kitchen.

Watch manager Mark Woodward said the mother and her son were alerted to the fire by the noise followed by the smoke detector.

He said they escaped the house before contacting the fire service.

Crew manager Woodward said: "The smoke alarm probably helped to save their lives as they were both asleep when the fire started. This highlights the need for smoke alarms which can be fitted by us for free."

For a free smoke alarm contact 0800 169 1125.