FIREFIGHTERS were called to tackle an intense fire at a home in Northfield Street in Worcester last night.

The fire service, who were alerted to the blaze by a neighbour at around 7.25pm, said the outcome could have been very different as the smoke alarm in the house had been disconnected.

It is though the fire was caused by an overloaded plug adaptor with a television set left on standby in a first floor bedroom, which was seriously damaged.

Three fire engines from Worcester attended and six firefighters in breathing apparatus and two hose reels were used as the fire was extinguished.

Station Commander Ian Jallands from Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said: “While there was a smoke alarm fitted in the house, it had been disconnected from the battery and it was only thanks to a neighbour noticing the fire that the three occupants were able to evacuate safely.”

He said that the fire was extremely intense and caused major damage in the bedroom.

“There are three key messages from this incident,” said Mr Jallands. “Firstly, fit smoke alarms on every level of your home and test they are working on a weekly basis. There really could have been a very different outcome if the neighbour had not noticed the fire.

“Secondly, avoid overloading sockets and get into the habit of unplugging electrical items when not in use rather than leaving them on standby.

“Thirdly, ensure your key documents and valuables are kept in a secure box or folder to protect them from fire or flood. Thankfully one of the occupants had put his passport etc into a folder and this was saved from the worst effects of the fire.”

The British Red Cross Fire and Emergency Support Service (FESS) also attended the incident to offer help and advice to the family following the fire.