FIRE chiefs have warned residents to fit smoke detectors as a priority when moving into a new home after a blaze broke out just a week after a family moved into a house in Hunt End.
The fire broke out in the Enfield Road home at about 9.45pm on Thursday after a candle was left burning on top of a hi-fi system in one of the bedrooms.
Two fire crews were called and escorted a man out of the house before rescuing two cats and a hamster.
The man, a woman and four children were all taken to the Alexandra Hospital as a precautionary measure.
Fire spokesman Alec Mackie said: "The family had only moved into the house last week and had not had time to fit smoke detectors. They had them there but they were still in the box."
Station officer Len Mowatt, who attended the fire, said: "Smoke detectors should be the first priority when you move into a new house.
"And do not put candles on top of appliances and leave them unattended. A number of fires are caused by candles," he added.
The bedroom suffered fire damage and the top floor of the house was smoke logged.
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