Firefighters are warning residents living in remote or rural areas to ensure that they have working fire detection, a practiced escape route and that their home can be identified and found easily by the emergency services.

This follows a fire in Dob, Tregarth at 14.13hrs yesterday afternoon where a semi detatched house was involved in fire. The fire caused 100% damage to the house of origin and 100% smoke damage to the neighbouring property.

The fire is thought to have been caused by an open fire overloaded with cardboard and paper.

Ian Williams, Head of Response for North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said:

"Residents living in rural areas need to be especially vigilant regarding fire safety and ensure they have smoke alarms fitted and a practiced evacuation plan in place.

"Upon discovering a fire, its especially important in a rural property to act quickly -  get out, stay out and call 999 immediately.

"Water access in rural or remote areas can be very limited - this was the case at the fire yesterday in Dob. Crews arrived on scene in good time and worked well to prevent the fire from spreading to the next door property, but severe fire damage was caused to the house.

"It is also vitally important to ensure that the emergency services are able to locate your property- ensure that foliage and hedges have been cut back at the entrance to your home and that your property's name is clearly displayed.

"The fire was thought to be caused by a fire overloaded with paper and cardboard -  its important not to overload open fires with and to use fire guards wherever possible.

"North Wales Fire and Rescue Service offer free home fire safety checks where a member of the service will come to your home, give fire safety hints and tips, help you to formulate a fire escape plan, and if necessary, fit new smoke alarms - totally free of charge. To register, please call 0800 169 1234 or visit www.nwales-fireservice.org.uk. You can also use your mobile to register at www.freesmokealarm.co.uk."