COUNTY Durham fire fighters are urging householders to ensure they have smoke alarms upstairs.
The warning came after they tackled a fire in the bathroom of a house in Sheelin Avenue, Chester-le-Street, that started when a defective immersion heater set an airing cupboard ablaze last Wednesday.
The woman occupant was out but returned to find smoke pouring out of the bathroom window. Two crews, from Durham and High Handenhold fought the fire, which damaged the bathroom.
Divisional Officer Ian Dockerty said: "She did have a smoke alarm fitted but it was at the bottom of the stairs. It is the wrong place really.
He added: "If you only have one smoke alarm you should have it at the top of the stairs.
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