A Senior Fire Officer is warning of the dangers of faulty or untested electrical items and wiring systems after an elderly man and his daughter had a lucky escape from a fire in their Barmouth home yesterday afternoon.

Firefighters from Barmouth, Harlech, Dolgellau and Aberystwyth were called to the three storey end terrace property on Marine Driveat 15.20hrs yesterday, August 6^th.

The 86 year old man and his daughter were alerted when they heard a loud bang coming form the second floor above them - after investigating, the daughter found a vacuum cleaner she had earlier plugged in smouldering and a fire then broke out.

Both were able to escape from the building safely and the gentleman had a precautionary check up at the scene by paramedics.

Crews used 18 sets of breathing apparatus, two hose reels and two main jets to extinguish the fire. The fire caused 100% fire damage to the kitchen on the third floor, the roof space and the bedroom where the fire started. 50% fire damage was also caused to a second bedroom on the second floor as well as smoke damage to the ground and first floors.

Mike Plant, Response Manager for Gwynedd, said: "The damage caused to this gentleman's home shows just how quickly fire can spread. Worryingly, there were no signs of smoke alarms fitted in the property - and had the fire broke out at night, we could have been dealing with another tragic fatal fire here inNorth Wales.

"Smoke alarms give an early warning signal which allow you to escape quickly from a fire in your home- and they are offered free of charge as part of North Wales Fire and Rescue Service's free home fire safety check.

"The cause of the fire has been established as an electrical fault in the vacuum cleaner or the electrical wiring - it is important to get older appliances checked regularly by a qualified electrician and to have a periodic electrical installation test undertaken to ensure that the electrics in your home are safe.

"Crews worked well to contain the fire to the property and stop it spreading to the adjoining homes. They continued with their work to protect the community last night and today by visiting homes in the area to carry out free home fire safety checks and fit new alarms where needed.

"This service is available for all residents in North Walesand is totally free of charge. 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."