A ROCK Ferry householder was able to escape after smoke alarms alerted him to a cooker fire.

Firecrews were called to Fairfield Road at 4.30am today. The occupier had been asleep but was woken by the smoke alarms.

Firefighters from Birkenhead and Bromborough tackled the blaze, which is believed to have been caused with a fault in the cooker extractor hood.

Watch manager Andy Blythe, who attended the incident with Red Watch at Birkenhead fire station, said: “Smoke alarms alerted and woke the occupier illustrating once again the vital difference smoke alarms can make when there is a fire in your home.

“The alarm activating gave the occupier time to react and escape the property to await our arrival.

“If you discover a fire get out, stay out and call 999.

“Make sure you have working smoke alarms on each level of your home and follow fire safety advice.

“Don’t let your Christmas go up in smoke.”

For free fire safety advice, call 0800 731 5958.