‘SMOKE alarms save lives’ – that’s the message from the fire service after a child was taken to hospital following a house blaze in Weymouth.

Firefighters were sent to the scene shortly before 1am this morning, Tuesday July 21, on Avenue Road in Weymouth where they discovered smoke coming from the second floor of the house.

The fire was extinguished by two crews from Weymouth using four breathing apparatus and two hose reel jets.

A child was taken to Dorset County Hospital suffering from smoke inhalation and minor injuries. The fire was started by a cushion placed on top of a lamp.

The Dorset Fire and Rescue Service is now highlighting the message that smoke alarms save lives, and said if the house hadn’t been fitted with a working alarm the situation could have been much worse.

A service spokesperson said: “The fire caused 50 per cent damage to a lamp and some clothing.

“This incident shows the benefit of a working smoke alarm. The cause of the fire was found to be a cushion that had been placed, dangerously, on top of a lamp in the bedroom.

“The occupiers were only alerted to the presence of the fire due to a working smoke alarm.

“Had this not been the case then the fire could have developed further, which may have resulted in more damage and injuries, and perhaps even worse.”

People are now being urged by the service to always have a working smoke alarm and never place anything flammable over anything that has the potential to become hot.

The house where the fire took place consists of two flats, and an elderly man from the downstairs flat told the Echo he knew nothing of the blaze.

One resident of Avenue Road, who did not wish to be named, said he was woken up by flashing lights from the fire engines at approximately 1am.

He added: “I looked out the window and saw two fire engines and one ambulance.

“I was sleeping in the loft conversation and it takes quite a lot to wake me up when I’m up there.

“I hope whoever was in the house is safe and it’s sad to hear that someone was taken to hospital.”

Cllr Jason Osborne, who represents the Melcombe Regis ward, said his thoughts are with the child taken to hospital and said he hoped the injuries sustained were not serious.

He added: “Everybody should have a smoke alarm; you think incidents like this will never happen to you but as this shows fires can happen anywhere to anyone.

“If you’ve never checked your alarm batteries, or don’t even have a smoke alarm, let this be the catalyst that changes that.”

Dorset Fire and Rescue Service offer a home safety check where anyone interested is visited at home, can have smoke alarms fitted or replaced and is given advice on cooking safety, chimneys and more.

A home safety check can be requested by calling 0800 038 2323.