Published: Tuesday, 2nd March, 2010 3:00pm

Borders blaze victims 'lucky to be alive'

by Ally McGilvray

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A FAMILY forced to flee in fear after a fire ripped through their home in the Borders are lucky to be alive, it has been claimed.

Firefighters revealed the occupants of the house were sleeping in their beds then the blaze broke at their home in Bonchester Bridge near Hawick.

However, they managed to escape after being awoken by the sound of their smoke alarm.

Stuart Stevens, Group Manager for Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service was the officer in charge at the incident, he said: "The family were very lucky to escape such a serious house fire.

"From what we understand the parents were woken from their sleep by the smoke alarm. This early warning gave them enough time to get themselves and their children out of the house safely and away from danger."

But he added: "Without the smoke alarm the consequences could have been very severe."

Emergency services rushed to the scene after the alarm was raised on Saturday around 10.30pm.

However, the family's two-storey house was almost completely destroyed in the fire.

Mr Stevens added: "This case highlights how important it is to have a working smoke alarm in your home. It's a simple step to take and it really could save your life and the lives of your family.

"We are keen to remind residents in the Borders that they can arrange a free home safety visit through the Service. Firefighters will come to your home, fit a free smoke alarm and also give you valuable fire safety advice and check for any fire hazards in your home.

"Take the time to make an appointment today - it could be the most valuable call you'll make all year."