A FAMILY are lucky to be alive, say firefighters, after a fire started by a candle destroyed their home.

The fire, which started in the house in Bury Road at about 6am today, is believed to have been started by a lit candle on top of a TV in the living room.

The occupants, one male and two females - believed to be a couple and their daughter - were taken to Fairfield General Hospital suffering from smoke inhalation.

Watch manager Gary Stredder said the family were lucky to escape.

He added: "It was a rapid fire possibly caused by a candle.

"We carried out a smoke alarm campaign at the back end of last year and fitted smoke alarms in that road.

"Next door heard the alarm and made the call to us.

"The family were very lucky to escape this fire.

"The house is destroyed, the living room experienced 100 per cent damage and most of the house too.

"We can't stress enough the importance of smoke alarms.

"We will come out and fit them for free, and in this case I am 100 per cent certain that the fire alarm saved this family's life."

Tottington Road was closed this morning but has since been re-opened.

To have a fire alarm fitted ring 0800 555815.