A faulty electrical switch in the airing cupboard caused the fire, setting folded bedding and wooden shelving alight.

Luckily, the smoke detector woke the family up and alerted them to the flames. The owner of the house was able to put the fire out before the Fire Service arrived at the property.

Crew Commander John Le Cornu commented: “This is another example of how a working smoke alarm can give early warning of a fire in your home allowing you time to exit safely and call the Fire Service.

“In this instance, the owner’s quick actions prevented the fire from spreading, however we would always advise that the safest action would be to get yourself and your family out and call the Fire Service”, he added.