Firefighters are highlighting the importance of smoke alarms after an 80 year old woman was lucky to escape unharmed from a fire in her home near Mold.

Crews from Deeside, Mold and Ruthin were called to the incident near Llanarmon yn Ial at 12.14hrs today (9th March) after being notified by Care-Link that smoke alarms had activated at the property.

Andy Robb from North Wales Fire and Rescue Service explained; "We were able to work with Care-Link to advise the occupier to make her way safely out of the property and she received treatment for mild smoke inhalation at the scene.

"The fire started in a wicker basket positioned near a log burner - where a spark had ignited paper and logs in the basket.

"We would strongly advise against placing wicker items near a heat source - although they look decorative they can easily overheat or catch a spark and ignite.

"The combination of a working smoke alarm and a link to outside assistance undoubtedly saved this lady's life and enabled us to arrive in time to prevent substantial damage to the property. The smoke alarms at the property had been fitted by staff from our fire and rescue service during a previous home fire safety check.

"Firefighters used two sets of breathing apparatus, a hose reel jet and a thermal imaging camera in dealing with the incident.

"The early warning afforded by smoke alarms can mean the difference between life and death. North Wales Fire and Rescue Service offers free home fire safety checks for all residents in North Wales. During a check, a member of staff will visit your home, give fire safety hints and tips, and if necessary, fit new smoke alarms in your home. To register, please call North Wales Fire and Rescue Service's free 24 hour hotline on 0800 169 1234 or visit www.nwales-fireservice.org.uk or text 88365, prefixing the message with the word HFSC."