Dorset Fire and Rescue Service Incident Commander, Spencer Nicklin said that working smoke alarms had alerted Mr Fuller to the fire but that he had not had his house keys near the front door and this could have added time to his escape.

He said: “This gentleman is very lucky that his smoke alarms saved his life and that he managed to locate his keys in time for a safe escape. Seconds are very valuable when we are talking about life and death so always make sure that you have working smoke alarms and a clear escape plan.”

A spokesman for Dorset Fire and Rescue service said that three fire engines had been used to extinguish the blaze.

He said: “At 3.30am one Weymouth crew went to investigate a report of smoke in the Preston area and found a bungalow with its roof alight.

“They requested the support of two more crews from Weymouth and Dorchester and extinguished the fire using one main line and two hose reel jets.

“The fire was under control by 5am.”

He added: “It is thought that the building is now structurally unsafe.”