Lucky escape from house blaze for Lichfield family
A family of five had a lucky escape following a blaze at their home.
Firefighters were called to a shed fire at Stephens Walk in Lichfield.
The shed was next to the house and the fire quickly spread to the kitchen window and inside the property.
The occupants were asleep in the house when the fire started on Sunday night but a smoke alarm activated and they fled the property.
They were treated for smoke inhalation by paramedics.
Firefighters arrived to find neighbours tackling the fire with buckets of water and a hose pipe.
Fire investigation officer Ian Read said: "The family had a very lucky escape due to the smoke alarm alerting them to the fire.
"We strongly encourage people to make sure they have smoke alarms fitted in their homes and to test them weekly to ensure they work.
"This fire was caused due to a cigarette which hadn't been fully put out. We urge people to dispose of cigarettes safely and to make sure they are fully extinguished."
The fire caused smoke and heat damage throughout the property.
