The North Wales Fire and Rescue Service are highlighting the importance of having working smoke alarms after the occupants of a house escaped a fire earlier today (Saturday 30^th May).

At 9:55am today the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service were alerted to a house fire on Berth-y-Glyd Road in Old Colwyn.

Four fire appliances and the aerial ladder platform attended the incident whereby the occupants of the house managed to escape prior to the arrival of the fire service.

Nearby properties were also evacuated due to the smoke with assistance from North Wales Police.

Officers are currently still at the scene and an investigation is underway into the cause of the fire which has severely damaged the property.

The Welsh Ambulance Service attended and five people were taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation.

Geraint Hughes from the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: "This incident highlights the importance of having working smoke alarms. The occupants in this case were extremely fortunate that the smoke alarm alerted them to the fire.

"We offer free home fire safety checks, where a member of the service will visit your home, give fire safety hints and tips, help you formulate a fire escape plan and fit new alarms."

To register for a free home fire safety check, please call the bilingual 24 hour free hotline on 0800 169 1234 or visit www.nwales-fireservice.org.uk