A Dartford family were lucky to escape alive after a fire at their home in the early hours of this morning.

Two crews were sent to the house in East Hill at 2.06am after a passer-by raised the alarm.

The couple and their baby escaped after being woken by the noise and heat of the blaze.

Watch manager David Boakes said: "They had a smoke alarm but it was positioned near the kitchen so the residents had removed the batteries because it kept activating from cooking fumes.

"They were extremely lucky to have woken up as just three breaths of smoke can cause unconsciousness.

"We thank the passer-by for their prompt actions as our crews were able to limit the extent of the damage."

It is thought the fire started in a bin outside the house, possibly from a discarded cigarette.

The window frames and door were damaged by fire while the lounge and first floor bedroom were damaged by fire and smoke.

"This incident also serves as a reminder to people to make sure that rubbish is stored safely and away from buildings," said Mr Boakes.