A HOUSEHOLDER safely escaped a serious fire after he was alerted to the blaze by his smoke alarm.

Firefighters were called to the property in Wilton Road, Malvern, at about 4pm last Friday.

Two appliances from Malvern Station and one from Worcester attended and extinguished the flames after the occupant was given early warning by his smoke alarm.

Neighbours helped him from his home and he was treated by paramedics for smoke inhalation.

Firefighters carried out checks and fitted smoke detectors in neighbouring properties.

Station commander Guy Palmer reiterated the importance of having working smoke alarms in the house.

He said: “You are more than twice as likely to die in a fire at home if you haven’t got a smoke alarm. A smoke alarm is the easiest way to alert you to the danger of fire, giving you precious time to escape.”