A woman needed oxygen therapy treatment from firefighters after a fire in her flat in Folkestone this morning.

Crews in two fire engines from the town's station were called at 10.45am to the address in Shakespeare Terrace after her smoke detector raised the alarm.

The woman in her 60s suffered from smoke inhalation while trying to put the fire out on the first floor.

She didn't need hospital treatment however.

It is thought the fire started after a cigarette accidentally fell onto towels in a laundry basket.

Crews arrived eight minutes after receiving the 999 call and went into the heavily smoke logged property wearing breathing apparatus before leading the woman safely from the building.

They then used a hose reel to make sure the lady's home was clear and then started clearing smoke from the property.

Folkestone crew manager, Mick Burgess said: "Once again we’ve seen how vital it is to have working smoke alarms in your home and I would urge anyone who doesn’t have them to make it a priority for 2015.

"They are cheap and so effective, especially when you consider not having them really could cost you your life."

Crews are set to carry out visits across the area to help inform residents about safety measures they can introduce and ensure are in place.

Mick added: "If you or someone you know might benefit from some free practical fire safety advice, call us today on 0800 923 7000 and speak to one of our trained advisors.

"Please also take the time to check on elderly relatives and neighbours, particularly at this time of year to make sure they are warm and safe from fire."