Occupants of a flat in Weymouth were 'lucky to escape unharmed' after a chip pan fire this morning.

Fire crews were called to Douglas Road early today.

A spokesman for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "We were called just after 7.10am from a member of the public to reports of a fire in a ground floor flat kitchen in Douglas Road.

"This was caused was a chip pan.

"The fire was out on arrival but there is some smoke damage to the property.

"One Weymouth crew attended and inspected the property and ensured it was safe.

"The property was ventilated and the crew returned within half an hour."

In a tweet Weymouth Fire Station said that the occupants were lucky to escape unharmed.

A spokesman added: "The property has suffered severe damage because there were no working smoke alarms to alert them to this fire.

"Smoke alarms save lives.

"To request a free Safe and Well visit, please call 0800 038 2323."