AN ELDERLY woman had a narrow escape when smoke alarms, fitted by Margate firefighters, alerted her to a blaze in her kitchen.

The resident from West Park Avenue, Margate, had the alarms fitted by Kent Fire and Rescue Service firefighters as part of a series of routine home fire safety checks in the area.

During the free check in June, firefighters fitted two new smoke alarms and gave the woman advice on fire safety in the home and escape routes.

Margate Watch Manager Steve Flint, who attended the fire on Monday, along with crews from Thanet and Margate, said: “Those smoke alarms proved their weight in gold when, just months later, they alerted the woman, who was having an afternoon nap, to a fire caused by an over heated fridge motor.

"Thanks to the alarms and fire safety advice, she knew to shut all doors to stop the fire from spreading, get out of the house as quickly as possible, stay out and to call the fire and rescue service. Had it not been for the smoke alarms sounding this incident could have had serious consequences.”

The fire was extinguished by breathing apparatus crews using a hose reel. They managed to limit the fire damage in the kitchen to 25 per cent. The rest of the bungalow suffered 75 per cent smoke damage.

The woman did not receive any injuries and is currently staying with relatives until her home is suitable to live in again.

Mr Flint added: “This incident highlights both the importance of smoke alarms and of home fire safety checks which can provide potentially life-saving advice.

"We would urge all Kent residents to take up this free service and to have at least one smoke alarm fitted on every level of their homes.”

Home fire safety check take around 30 minutes and include tips on night-time routines, cooking safely with oil or fat, the dangers of smoking materials, care with candles, electrical safety and planning escape routes in the event of fire.

Free 10-year battery smoke alarms are also fitted where needed to give early warning of fire and help people escape. By following the advice given during the check, people can also reduce the risk of fire in their home.

As is normal following an incident of this type, crews from Margate will be visiting the local area to offer residents the free checks.

To request a home fire safety check contact your nearest fire station or call the Community Fire Safety team for free on 0800 923 7000. For more fire safety information, log onto www.kent.fire-uk.org