TWO 88-year-olds owe their lives to a smoke alarm after fire tore through their bungalow.
Martin and Rosaline Brazier, of Delamere Road, Congleton, were woken up by the device at 11.30pm on Tuesday after the blaze started in the living room of their bungalow.
Mrs Brazier, also known as Greta, admitted that she initially thought it was the burglar alarm that woke them, but it was not until she discovered the front room ablaze that she realised what was happening.
She said: "I came out of the bedroom and saw a glimmer of light. I thought I had left the light on but as I got a little bit closer I realised it was flames.
"I tried to stay calm and hurried around to my neighbour to use the phone and call the fire brigade."
The couple has been told that the blaze was started by a cigarette.
Mrs Brazier said: "It was me. I thought I had put my cigarette out before I went to bed, but obviously I hadn't.
"I don't know how long it took for the fire to start but it must not have been that long because I wasn't properly asleep."
Two fire engines, two police cars and an ambulance arrived at the scene and the pair were taken to Macclesfield Hospital where they were treated for smoke inhalation.
Mr Brazier said: "The house has been damaged by smoke. We have spoken to the insurance company."
Mr and Mrs Brazier, who have lived in the house for more than 20 years, admitted that it was the fire alarm that saved their lives.
Mr Brazier added: "I was in a really deep sleep so if the alarm didn't go off then I may not have woken up. It really did save our lives, a lot of our things have been damaged but it could have been much worse."
The fire alarm was installed at the house following a home safety assessment from Cheshire's Fire and Rescue. Mr Brazier said: "It's the best thing we ever did having that alarm put in."
The couple's son, Colin Brazier, of Swettenham Lane, Congleton, added: "Without doubt, the fire alarm saved my parents' lives. If it had not gone off then they wouldn't be here today."
Alex Waller, performance manager for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "This incident clearly highlights once again the importanceof having working smoke alarms.
"I cannot stress enough how important it is to make sure that your home is safe and that everyone knows what to do if a fire should break out.
"This smoke alarm was fitted for free by Congleton firefighters in May 2009 as part of a home safety assessment visit.
"The crew also gave the couple advice on what to do in the event of a fire, which included shutting doors.
"The smoke alarm alerted this couple to the danger and gave them enough time to escape uninjured from this fire."
