A FAMILY fled for their lives after fire swept through their home in Deal early today. The blaze wrecked the living room of the two-storey terrace house in Princes Street and the rest of the property was damaged by smoke and heat.

When fire crews from Deal and Eastry arrived on the scene just before 8am a man, woman and child had managed to escape the burning building. The man was treated at the scene after suffering from the affects of smoke inhalation.

Crews wearing breathing apparatus fought the fire, which was under control within an hour and is believed to have been caused by an electrical fault.

Deal station commander John Yore said the speed of the fire was increased by a number of video tapes on a shelf. If videos are not enclosed they burn rapidly and can increase the severity of the fire," he added.

Mr Yore added that people should try to keep their tapes in a closed cabinet if possible.

The house did not have a smoke alarm and Mr Yore stressed how important it is to have one fitted.