FIREFIGHTERS are advising householders to invest in smoke alarms after a Worcester man had a lucky escape from a blaze today.

Crews from Worcester's Blue Watch and a retained crew were called to a house fire in the early hours.

The occupant, of Barbourne Crescent, Barbourne, told firefighters he was a light sleeper and that was why he had been woken by smoke around 5am.

"If it had been another 20 minutes it would have been a real serious job," said Alec Mackie, of Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigade.

"One of the firefighters said the man was going to buy a smoke alarm today.

"They advised him to get one because it was very fortunate that he was a light sleeper."

The fire started in the basement of the two-storey house due to an electrical fault behind some panelling.

Smoke

"This created quite a lot of smoke in the bedroom," said Mr Mackie.

"This woke up the man, who was there on his own, and he managed to get out.

"Smoke alarms cost approximately £5 and providing that you change and check the batteries from time to time, they do save lives.

"There could be other occasions when this man might not have woken up.

"It's a proven fact that smoke alarms saves lives and they save a lot of hassle."

Four breathing apparatus units were used to fight the fire, which was mostly contained to the basement.

There was smoke damage to other rooms in the property.

Firefighters left the house around 6.45am after checking that there was no risk of the fire sparking up again.

Emergency workmen from GPU Power UK were also called to the scene to make sure that the area was safe.

A spokesman said the supply had been isolated and "a visual inspection" had been carried out. A safety officer was also due to visit today.