Firefighters are warning of the potential risks of domestic downlighters after a blaze in a loft.

The fire broke out at Fairfax Avenue, Cheriton, just after 4.50am on Friday but the house occupants got out in time.

A man in the room below had heard the noise, thinking it was a water leak, bot found the loft ablaze. He got out the rest of the household before raising the alarm.

Two fire engines from Folkestone rushed to the scene and a crews wearing breathing apparatus tackled the flames.

Folkestone crew manager Mick Burgess said: "People don't seem to realise the amount of heat that is generated by halogen lights, which can start a smouldering fire in adjacent timbers or other flammable items.

"They get extremely hot and need sufficient air space around to ventilate and prevent them from overheating.

"It is imperative that these downlighters are kept away from timbers.

"You shouldn't place anything on or near them when storing things in your loft and that they have at least 50mm (2in) space around them."

Mr Burgess added that ceiling mounted lights should always be installed following manufacturers' instructions and that any DIY wiring in the home is inspected by a competent electrician.