AN elderly couple had a lucky escape after a discarded cigarette caused a fire at their Timperley home on Tuesday night.

A woman in her 80s was taken to hospital as a precaution following the incident on Lorraine Road at around 11.40pm on September 29.

Sadly a dog died in the fire but a man, also in 80s, escaped unharmed.

Robert McCauley, from Altrincham Fire Station, said: “The fire had been caused by a cigarette in a rubbish bin in the living room.

“The smoke had spread throughout the room but fortunately the door had been closed before the couple went to bed, which limited damage to the living room.

“The couple were in bed when the smoke alarm sounded and woke the man, who went downstairs to investigate. He discovered the fire, went to get his wife upstairs and they got out of the house.”

Tomorrow marks National Older People’s Day and firefighters are urging people to check on their elderly neighbours and relatives. Cllr David Acton, chair of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue (GMFRS), said: “Staff from across GMFRS will be attending various events to spread safety advice this week but you can help us by spending a few minutes with an older person and testing their smoke alarm.

“This couple managed to escape unhurt thanks to a working smoke alarm and closing the internal doors but smoking remains the biggest cause of fatal house fires in the UK so please take extra care if smoking at home and ensure cigarettes are fully stubbed out.”

Visit manchesterfire.gov.uk for further safety advice.