Firefighters say a Canterbury family have had a lucky escape after smoke alarms alerted them to a blaze in their property.

The fire broke out at a house in Thannington at 7.55pm on Friday (6 January).

When crews arrived the occupants had managed to get out of the the property which was well alight with flames coming out the roof.

Firefighters wore breathing apparatus to tackle the blaze which is believed to have been caused by an electrical item, possibly a hairdryer.

Canterbury Watch Manager Sheridan Hudson-Peacock said: “Crews worked hard in difficult conditions to get the fire quickly under control and stop it spreading further. We were aided by the fact that internal doors were shut which made a big difference in limiting the fire to the room it started in.

“The two adults and four children were out of the property by the time of our arrival because they had been given an early warning by the smoke alarm and it helped us that the occupier was able to meet us and direct us to the property so quickly. We hope that this incident will remind other residents to check that they have a working smoke alarm.”

Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2012©