FIREFIGHTERS have issued potentially ‘life saving’ advice to Dorset residents following a garage fire at a property on Easter Sunday.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue have reminded residents of electrical safety advice following a garage fire on Forest Edge Drive in St Leonards which saw a man taken to hospital.

Fire crews from Ferndown, Redhill Park and Verwood were alerted to the blaze at 7.16am on Easter Sunday, and on arrival, were faced with a ‘fully developed’ fire.

Read more: Fire destroys garage as residents report hearing a loud explosion

Mark Downing, station manager at Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue, said: “Crews worked extremely hard this morning to contain this fire and prevent it spreading to the rest of the property.

“Thankfully, smoke alarms fitted within the house provided an early warning to the occupiers, who were able to get out and call us."

Bournemouth Echo:

Following an investigation, the cause of the fire was said to be electrical.

Mark added: “This is a good opportunity to remind residents that we have some important electrical fire safety tips on our website including information on battery chargers, electrical sockets and appliances.

“I’d also like to remind the public to ensure they have working smoke alarms on every level of their home; they really can save your life.”

For more information and safety advice, visit the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue website at https://www.dwfire.org.uk/safety/safety-at-home/