A pensioner had a lucky escape when fire broke out in her Folkestone flat last night.

Crews from two fire engines from Folkestone station were called out just before 6pm to the blaze in Trinity Gardens.

Within four minutes of receiving the call firefighters were on the scene.

But the fire which is believed to have been started by a dehumidifier in an unventilated under-stairs cupboard was already out when crews arrived.

Thanks to smoke alarms fitted in her home alerting her to the fire she was able to notify someone and get help after a neighbour called 999.

Crews used a special fan to clear smoke from the property and will be offering neighbours home fire safety advice.

The fire service are now highlighting the importance of installing smoke alarms in people's homes.

Folkestone watch manager, John Howard, said: "Fortunately the smoke alarms did their job and the woman, thought to be in her 80’s with mobility issues, was able to call her neighbours for help.

"They quickly disconnected the dehumidifier, closed the door on the fire and led the lady to safety.

"It’s vital that everyone has working smoke alarms on every level of their home. It’s also better to be prepared and know what to do if a fire starts in your home.

"Your first priority should be to get out as quickly as possible. Have an escape plan and make sure everyone in your family knows how to get out.

"We can provide help to those most likely to be seriously injured or killed as a result of a fire in the home and, where needed, specialist equipment, including fireproof bedding and smoke alarms for visually and hearing impaired people.

"We can also supply other gadgets such as cooker switches and reminder stickers for residents who have dementia and/or who have become forgetful about turning off the cooker.

"We can also make recommendations to other support services for further specialist home safety aids."

For more information email home@kent.fire or call 0800 923 7000.