An 18-year-old Folkestone man's life was saved on Saturday (29 October) after a smoke alarm, fitted just days ago by firefighters following an earlier blaze on Tuesday (25 October), alerted his neighbours to the fire in his flat.

They raised the alarm after being woken by the sound of a smoke alarm bleeping in a first floor apartment in Cheriton Road, Folkestone at around 4.30am.

The neighbours managed to wake the teenage occupant who had slept through the alarm, despite the fire breaking out in his bedroom.

Two crews put out the blaze and contained the damage mostly to bedding.

The man was treated for smoke inhalation by ambulance crews.

It was the second accidental fire at the man’s home this week.

The smoke alarm had been installed by firefighters following a fire on Tuesday morning believed to have been caused by a discarded cigarette.

The latest fire however appeared to have been caused by an electrical fault according to Kent Fire and Rescue Service.

Crew Manager Andy Batchelor said: “There is absolutely no doubt that the smoke alarm, and the prompt actions by his neighbours, saved this man’s life.”

“People need to realise that just two to three breaths of toxic smoke from a fire in your home can render you unconscious. It is vital to have working smoke alarms fitted on every floor of your home and testing them weekly to ensure they will provide early warning of fire and allow you and your loved-ones extra time to escape.”

For free fire safety advice please contact Kent Fire and Rescue Service on 0800 923 7000.

Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2011©