A FAMILY escaped unharmed after a fire at their Blackburn home.

Firefighters using breathing apparatus tackled the blaze at the house in Corwen Close.

The fire started at 9am yesterday in the lounge, and fire crews believe it was caused by a fault in an electric fan heater.

The lounge was destroyed and there was smoke damage to the rest of the house.

A couple and four children managed to get out of the house unhurt.

Station officer Kevin Gibson said: "Fortunately the fire happened while they were up and about because again there were no smoke alarms.

"Had it occurred an hour or two earlier, it could have been a different story.

"This family has had a lucky escape.

"They will have to find alternative accommodation for the time being.

"We keep repeating it but we are still carrying out free fire safety checks and fitting smoke alarms free of charge, where required."

For more details on the fire safety checks call Blackburn fire station on 01254 52111.