TWO house fires in as many days have caused Spa firefighters to issue a warning to homeowners to make sure they have safety plans prepared and smoke alarms fitted.

Both homes were fitted with smoke alarms,allowing firefighters to extinguish the flames quickly.

"In these instances, the smoke alarms saved the residents' lives," said firefighter George Marshall.

The first fire was at The Poplars, an elderly people's residential home in Wychbold, on Tuesday (July 19) at about 12pm.

An unattended ham was boiling on the stove and boiled dry, causing the blaze. Spa firefighters used breathing apparatus and a smoke-clearing machine to ventilate the kitchen. No one was hurt.

In the second incident, again unattended food caught light at about 1.30am on Wednesday at a house in Teme Crescent, Droitwich Spa. Residents were believed to have gone to bed after food had been put on to cook.

Smoke alarms alerted the residents and fire crews responded quickly. Damage was limited to smoke throughout the house. An ambulance was called as a precaution but no one was hurt.

Fireman Mr Marshall added: "Both fires could have been a lot worse. We offer free fire home safety checks and free 10-year smoke alarms so there is no reason why anybody should not have one."

The checks run through simple fire safety procedures and check electrical items. To book a free check, call 0800 0321155 or call the Saltway station direct on 01905 771515.