A family had a lucky escape after their second hand tumble dryer caught fire in their home.
Allie Sexton her fiancé Darren Muckle and two children had 'just minutes' to escape after their smoke alarm went off at 11.15pm.
The family has been put in alternative accommodation by their housing provider while the cause of the fire is investigated.
Allie, from Chichester, West Sussex, said: "Our smoke alarm saved our lives, because if that hadn't gone off it could have been a lot worse.
"When we realised the tumble dryer was on fire my concern was for my family and getting everyone out of the house.
"This could happen to anyone.
"You think it's not going to happen, but it can happen to you in a flash.
"We bought our tumble dryer second hand, and what I would say to people is don't take that risk.
"Save up and buy a new one, that way you have that protection.
"Don't make the same mistake. It's your family's lives.
"It could have been much worse for us, and we're lucky to be alive."
Two crews from Chichester Fire Station were called to the blaze shortly after 11.15pm on July 10.
A spokesman for West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said that, upon arrival, crews found smoke issuing from the property and a fire in the family's tumble dryer, which they extinguished using one high pressure hose reel, a covering jet and a safety jet.
They also used two sets of breathing apparatus, and removed the tumble dryer from the property to ventilate it.
The family were able to make it out safely because their smoke alarm alerted them that something wasn't right, sparking fresh calls from the fire service for all residents to make sure they have a working smoke alarm and check it at least once a week to ensure they have the 'earliest possible warning of fire'.
The family have since been moved to alternative accommodation by housing provider Hyde Homes, who installed the smoke alarm.
Chichester E Watch Crew Commander Anton Mezzone said: "It was very fortunate that this family had working smoke detection installed in their property.
"It alerted them to the fire in their tumble dryer in their front kitchen, and thankfully they all got out safely.
"We would encourage all residents to register their electrical appliances online so they are alerted of any product recalls.
"I would highly recommend that residents consider having a Safe and Well visit, formerly known as a Home Safety Visit, from West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service to ensure the safety of your family."
