TWO people had a lucky escape on Sunday after they fled a blaze at their home which took firefighters more than seven hours to extinguish.

The man and woman discovered flames in their house at Cross Drove in Tydd St Giles, after an electrical fault started the fire in the airing cupboard. They dialled 999 and were told to get out of the house immediately by the fire control room operator.

Crews from Wisbech, Long Sutton, West Walton, Holbeach, a turntable ladder from Dogsthorpe and a water carrier from Yaxley arrived at 4.15pm to find the large detached house well alight with flames coming through the roof.

They tackled the fire using two jets, two hose reels and water from the turntable ladder and returned to their stations by 11.45pm.

Phil Pilbeam, watch manager at Wisbech fire station said: “When we arrived flames were coming through the roof of the property, which has been destroyed by the fire. There is also extensive damage to the first floor of the house.

“Thankfully all of the occupants were out of the house when we arrived, thanks to the advice of the control room operator.”

Today’s fire investigation found the cause of the blaze to be accidental.

Steve Robinson, station manager for Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Electrical appliances and wiring should be checked regularly to ensure it is safe, as electrical faults are a leading cause of accidental house fires.

“This is even more relevant as this week is Electrical Fire Safety Week so I would urge everyone to take the time to make sure their appliances are not putting their house at risk.”