Firefighters have issued a warning after a discarded cigarette is thought to have started a fire which led to a couple fleeing their home in the early hours.

Emergency crews were called to the property in Alexandra Road shortly before 3am today and found a man and woman had already got out of the house.

Nine firefighters, some wearing breathing masks, tackled the outbreak and used a special fan to clear the building of smoke.

The occupiers were treated for mild smoke inhallation at the scene and went to stay with neighbours.

Margate Crew Manager Glenn Leach said: "It appears that a cigarette had been discarded into a bin. It started smouldering, sparking the fire, which spread to a nearby sofa.

"This unfortunate incident highlights the importance of ensuring cigarettes and other smoking materials are stubbed right out and disposed of safely.

"Cigarettes are designed to stay alight and can burn at temperatures of more than 700 degrees. This means that one smouldering cigarette thrown into a waste bin or discarded from a car window could burn unnoticed for some time before suddenly spreading into a serious fire. out."

He added: "Don’t take a chance with your family’s safety - make sure you have working smoke alarms on every floor of your home and test them regularly - they are a proven lifesaver."

For further advice on how to keep you, your family or a neighbour safe from fire call Kent Fire and Rescue Service for free on 0800 923 7000 or go to www.3breaths.info for further information.