Residents were lucky to escape unharmed after a fire flared up at their flat in Weymouth.

Fire chiefs have today stressed the importance of having working smoke alarms and how they can save lives.

The flat in Douglas Road, Wyke Regis, where the fire occurred had smoke alarms fitted but they were not working, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) said.

Pictures taken by the service show damage caused by yesterday morning's blaze including blackened walls.

Neighbours told of how smoke poured out of the flat.

Weymouth firefighters were called just after 7.10am on Tuesday to reports of a fire in a ground floor flat kitchen in Douglas Road.

It was caused by a chip pan that had caught alight.
The flat had no working smoke alarm at the time of the fire, the brigade said.

Stuart Legg, Area Commander for Dorset said: “Had there been working smoke alarms in this property, the severity of the damage would have been far less – as it is the occupants were very lucky to escape unharmed.”

A spokesman for DWFRS said: "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."

Kate Walker, a resident who lives with her partner Dan on the top floor of the block of flats, said: “When we stepped out of our flat in the morning we saw the whole corridor was full of smoke.

“Dan knew there was a fire. He went downstairs to the flat and they said they had left their chip pan on.”

The couple made the initial call to the fire service after noticing the smoke. 

Natalie Chaffers, who lives in a second floor flat with three young children in the same building, said: “Having a smoke alarm is so important, especially in a block of flats with families in. I smelt the smoke at first and then saw it coming underneath the door into my flat. 

“Luckily my kids didn’t see it.”

Mr Legg said: “Statistics show that you are more than twice as likely to die in a fire at home if you haven’t got a working smoke alarm. Smoke alarms are the easiest way to alert you to the danger of fire, giving you precious time to escape. 

“They are cheap, easy to get hold of and simple to install.”
DWFRS also want to remind residents that even if they have smoke alarms fitted, it is vital to test them regularly.

They are urging people to request a free Safe and Well visit to ensure their property is safe. 

The DWFRS spokesman said: “Smoke alarms save lives.
"To request a free Safe and Well visit, please call 0800 038 2323."