FYLDE firefighters have again urged householders to install a smoke alarm after a family narrowly escaped a serious blaze at their Blackpool home.

Crews from South Shore and Blackpool arrived to tackle the fire which had erupted in the kitchen of a terraced house at Wyre Grove at around 2.30am on Sunday, February 22.

Using state-of-the-art thermal imaging cameras firefighters braved the flames and thick smoke to rescue one unconscious inhabitant and a pet dog.

Another couple were forced to jump from a first floor window after the spreading fire engulfed their bedroom.

A Lancashire Fire and Rescue spokesman said: "This was a very narrow escape for this family by seconds.

"If it was not for the speed and professionalism of the fire crews we would be looking at a loss of life.

"There were no working smoke detectors fitted in the property so they were lucky to escape but not every one is as fortunate.

"We therefore urge all householders to contact their local fire station who will gladly fit detectors for free and put the odds in your favour."

This is not the only fire to be reported at a property without a fitted smoke detector in recent weeks.

On Sunday, February 8, crews from Bispham and South Shore turned out to tackle the blaze at a first floor bedroom on Peel Hill in the resort.

No-one was injured in the fire but the family's pet dog was found dead in a rear bedroom.

It is believed the cause of the fire was an electrical fault in the wiring of an electric immersion heater.

A Lancashire Fire and Rescue spokesman said: "Smoke detectors are relatively inexpensive and very easy to install but if you get in touch with your local fire station these can be supplied and fitted free of charge by us."

For further information or to arrange for a smoke detector to be installed in your home contact your local fire station on: Bispham 01253 352592, Blackpool 01253 302522, South Shore 01253 343071, St Annes 01253 722286.