RESIDENTS are reminded to test their smoke alarms following a flat fire in the Blackpole area of the city.

The incident took place at a first floor property in Saddlers Walk at about 4.30pm on Thursday when a freezer caught fire.

Station Commander Mark Strutt, from Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, said: “When we arrived there was a lot of smoke in the property but thankfully the occupant did exactly the right thing by closing the door to the kitchen and leaving the property.

“These actions undoubtedly stopped the fire from spreading further.

"We sent two firefighters wearing breathing apparatus into the property and they quickly put the fire out.

“I would like to remind people about the importance of testing smoke alarms, even hard wired alarms need testing regularly.

"Smoke alarms provide you with an early warning if a fire breaks out.”

For more fire safety advice please call 0800 032 1155 or go to hwfire.org.uk