FIREFIGHTERS are stressing the importance of smoke alarms after a Redditch man nearly died in a blaze.

Daniel Byrne was rescued by firefighters from a blazing flat in Lygon Close at about 11.40pm on Thursday.

He was barely conscious and crews believe had they been just minutes later, he may have died.

It was the quick thinking of Mr Byrne's neighbour, Mohammed Ashfu, which helped to save his life.

Mr Ashfu spotted smoke pouring from the flat, which did not have a smoke alarm, and immediately called the fire brigade.

Firefighters Rob Allen and Jim Burman, of white watch, were the first to enter the blazing building.

Mr Byrne, 25, who was staying at his girlfriend's flat, said he felt lucky to be alive and thanked the firefighters who saved him.

He told the Advertiser how he had returned from work earlier that evening, turned the chip pan on but fell asleep in front of the television.

Leading Firefighter Roger Underhill, of green watch, said the next day crews targeted the area after it was found there was no smoke detector in the flat.

Leading Firefighter Underhill said a lot of people in the area did not have smoke detectors and further trips were made by crews to fit them.