A FAMILY in Nelson had a lucky escape after a discarded cigarette set their house on fire.

The house, in Gordon Street, was not fitted with smoke alarms.

Two members of the family were still up when the fire broke out at 2.30am today and were able to get three, who were asleep upstairs, out.

Sub-officer Mark Woodward, from Nelson fire station, said: "They were extremely lucky that someone was up at the time and discovered the fire.

"If they had all been asleep upstairs it could have been a far more disastrous outcome. They were very lucky to get out."

The fire had started in the back bedroom and firefighters used breathing apparatus and thermal imaging equipment.

Sub-officer Woodward urged residents to get their homes fitted with smoke alarms.

He said: "Anyone who contacts their local fire station can have their smoke alarms fitted free."