FYLDE firefighters are urging people to fit a smoke alarm after a house fire ripped through a house in Blackpool killing a family pet.

Crews from Bispham and South Shore turned out to tackle the blaze at a first floor bedroom on Peel Hill in the resort after being contacted by the owner at around 10pm on Sunday, February 8.

After rescuing the family cat firefighters tried to reach a pet dog trapped but were almost forced to retreat by "severe" smoke and flames.

No-one was injured in the fire but the 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.

The property was not fitted with a smoke detector.

A Lancashire Fire and Rescue spokesman said: "If the fire had occurred when the occupants were asleep, the lack of smoke detectors would almost certainly have resulted in the loss of lives.

"Anybody living without a smoke detector is literally dicing with death and we would urge people to think seriously about the risks involved.

"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.