An 11-year-old girl, her mother and the family dog were rescued from a blazing building in Broadstairs after they became trapped in a bedroom.

Thanet fire station watch manager Paul Moore said the occupants were very lucky to get out of the fire alive, as the smoke alarms were not working in the property.

He said: “I cannot emphasise enough the importance of ensuring your smoke alarms are in working order. If the fire had broken out during the night we may well have arrived to find fatalities.”

While crews were on route to the scene in Royal Close at around 7.30am today (Tuesday, November 18) fire control operator Caroline Spicer talked with the woman and gave her some vital guidance. She said: “The mother and child had no means of escape due to the smoke from the blaze, so I established which room they were in and advised them to keep the door closed.

“I told them to place some clothing or bedding at the bottom of the door to prevent smoke from entering the room, buying them valuable time until crews arrived.”

When fire crews from Thanet and Ramsgate stations arrived, they immediately used a ladder to rescue the woman, child and their Staffordshire Terrier puppy, Missy, from the upstairs window, having been informed in advance of their location. Firefighters in breathing apparatus tackled the flames and smoke and carried out a full search of the building.

Mr Moore said: “If anyone is unsure whether their smoke alarms are working I would urge them to contact Kent Fire and Rescue Service for free and we will come and carry out a free home fire safety check. We will check your alarms for you and fit new ones if required.”

This fire is believed to have been caused by an unattended candle that had been left burning overnight. He added: “This incident raises another vital safety message around the use of candles. They should never be left unattended and should always be extinguished before bed time.”

The property sustained severe smoke damage and the residents have been temporarily re-housed.

Earlier in the day, two women - one suffering from smoke inhalation - were rescued by firefighters from a first floor flat at Ethelbert Terrace, Westgate, at around 5am.

Westgate crew manager Steve Wright said: “This incident could have been much more serious, as there were no smoke alarms fitted in the flat. I would urge all residents to ensure they have smoke alarms fitted on each floor of their home, as they provide vital early warning of fire, giving you a more chance of escaping uninjured.”

The fire is being treated as accidental and is believed to have started in a microwave.

At around 11.30am a woman and child were treated for the effects of smoke inhalation after a cooker caught alight at a house in Harold Road, Cliftonville. An ambulance, an ambulance car and two appliances from Margate and Thanet fire stations were called to deal with the incident.

* If you would like to arrange a free home fire safety check contact Kent Fire and Rescue Service on 0800 9237000.