Fire officers are highlighting the importance of working smoke alarms after a woman, her six children and one grandchild were extremely lucky to escape with their lives following a fire at their home in Rhyl.

Two crews from Rhyl were called to the property on Palace Avenue to deal with reports of a fire at 22.42hrs on Wednesday 23^rd September.

Firefighters used four sets of breathing apparatus and two hose reel jets to extinguish the fire. All occupants evacuated safely out of the property.

The cause of the fire is now under investigation. The 40 year old woman sustained minor burns to her hand and the occupants were all treated for smoke inhalation at the scene by paramedics before being transferred to hospital as a precaution.

Gwyn Jones, Community Safety Manager for Conwy and Denbighshire, said: “I cannot over-emphasise how lucky these residents were to escape with their lives.

“They were watching TV when luckily one of the children smelled smoke and upon investigation it became apparent that a bed in a downstairs bedroom was alight.

“Fire can spread incredibly quickly, and without the early detection provided by working smoke alarms you are at greater risk of dying in a fire in your home. This fire highlights just how quickly a fire can develop when you least expect it.

“Not having working smoke alarms in your home is playing a very dangerous game with your life and the lives of your loved ones. Why put them at risk?

“A working smoke alarm is essential to safeguard your safety – it provides a vital warning allowing time to make your way out unharmed. North Wales Fire and Rescue Service offers free home safety checks which are available free for all residents in North Wales. To request a check, phone our 24 hour hotline on 0800 169 1234, or log on to our website www.nwales-fireservice.org.uk."