FIRE chiefs are reminding people to make sure they know what to do should they have a blaze at home.

It comes after a number of house fires in recent weeks which the brigade says has highlighted how important it is to plan for the worst happening.

In west Dorset last weekend a resident was rescued from a burning building in the early hours and was said to have had a ‘very lucky escape’.

Fire crews from Bridport and Charmouth were called to West Road, off the A35 near Bridport, just after 3.30am on Saturday and found someone trapped on the first floor calling for help. They managed to evacuate the person via a window on the first floor.

There were no working smoke alarms in the house so the resident wasn’t aware of the fire immediately. In fact, it was a neighbour who raised the alarm after smelling smoke.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service says the most important thing to remember in a fire is 'Get Out, Stay Out, Call 999.'

Safe & Well Manager Vikki Thomas said: “None of us want to think about experiencing a fire at home, but it’s essential that everyone is clear on what they should do, how to escape and, most importantly, the things they can do to reduce the risk of fire in the first place.”

She added: “While we completely understand the instinct to gather up possessions, or even go back into the property, doing this can be life-threatening as smoke is extremely toxic and can render you unconscious in just a few minutes. If you have a fire, get outside, call the fire and rescue service, and stay safe until crews arrive.”

The service’s website www.dwfire.org.uk/safety-at-home offers advice on a number of issues including identifying escape routes, fitting smoke alarms, electrical items and candles.

If you have any fire safety concerns, you can request a free Safe & Well visit, where someone will visit you to help assess the fire risk in your home and offer support and guidance. Call free on 0800 038 2323 or apply online at www.dwfire.org.uk/safe-and-well-visits