Fire Officers are highlighting the importance of smoke alarms after they alerted a neighbour of a property fire in Llangwm, Conwy this afternoon.

Crews from Bala, Corwen, Llanrwst, Ruthin and Llangollen were called to the incident at 11.23am today (Thursday 12^th September).

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus tackled the fire using hose reel water jets and removed roof tiles to tackle a fire in the roof space. The fire is thought to have originated on the ground floor of the property.

The fire caused substantial damage to the property and the cause is under investigation.

The occupants were not home at the time of the fire and the alarm was raised by a neighbour who heard the alarm sounding.

Mike Hough from North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: "This incident clearly illustrates the importance of smoke alarms - the sound of the smoke alarm alerted the neighbour who was able to contact the fire and rescue service. Without this early detection, is it likely that the damage to this property in a remote and rural location would have been far worse.

"Residents living in rural areas need to be especially vigilant regarding fire safety and ensure they have smoke alarms fitted and a practiced evacuation plan in place.

"Upon discovering a fire, its especially important in a rural property to act quickly -  get out, stay out and call 999 immediately.

"Water access in rural or remote areas can be very limited - this was the case at the fire today. Crews arrived on scene in good time and worked well to contain the fire - but severe damage was caused to the house.

"It is also vitally important to ensure that the emergency services are able to locate your property- ensure that foliage and hedges have been cut back at the entrance to your home and that your property's name is clearly displayed.

"North Wales Fire and Rescue Service offer free home fire safety checks where a member of the service will come to your home, give fire safety hints and tips, help you to formulate a fire escape plan, and if necessary, fit new smoke alarms - totally free of charge. To register, please call 0800 169 1234 or visit www.nwales-fireservice.org.uk. You can also use your mobile to register at www.freesmokealarm.co.uk."