FIREFIGHTERS have urged people not to try and deal with a fire themselves after a man tried to stop a blaze from spreading at a home containing nine people in Little Lever.

Crews from Bolton Central and Farnworth fire stations were called to the family home, in Morrison Street, at about 1.50am yesterday.

Upon arriving at the scene, they were faced with a heavily smoke logged house, although it was not immediately clear what had caused the smog.

The nine people who were in the property at the time managed to get out, but not before one man tried to fight the fire himself.

It was later revealed that the source of the smoke was a plastic electric kettle which had been left on for too long and had melted

Firefighters worked at the scene for 45 minutes to extinguish the fire and clear the house of smoke. Fortunately, the incident left only superficial damage to the kitchen, at the back of the house.

Tony McKenna, watch manager at Bolton Central Fire Station, said: "The occupants did a good job in getting everyone out.

"One man had slight smoke inhalation from trying to fight the fire at first, but he did not need treatment.

"We would never recommend that you fight the fire yourself, just get out, call us, and stay out.

"We used a fan to blow the smoke out of the window and the family went back in and stayed the night."

Mr McKenna warned that the outcome could have been far worse if the house had not had a working smoke alarm, and urged others to make sure they have one fitted.

Firefighters then visited the property around 11am the same day to conduct a Safe and Well check and ensure that the alarms in the home were still working.

To book a free Safe and Well visit from the fire service, which may include a free smoke alarm being fitted, call 0800 555 815.