AN ELDERLY couple were helped by their neighbours after a camping stove caught fire in their home.
Dorchester firefighters were called to Butts Close in Puddletown on August 29 at 8am after a fire broke out when the couple used the stove indoors because their electricity was out.
Neighbours responded to their cries for help and dragged the stove outside.
Steve Cheeseman, station commander for Dorchester, said: “Although we would never advise anyone to touch a burning cylinder, this action undoubtedly stopped the fire from spreading.
"Dorset Fire and Rescue Service advice is that camping equipment should never be used indoors.
“I cannot stress enough how important it is to have working smoke alarms on all levels of your home and that these are tested weekly.”