A FAMILY of five had a lucky escape when a chip pan started a blaze that filled their Middlesbrough home with choking smoke.

The fire broke out in the kitchen of the house in Ennerdale Avenue, at about 7pm on Wednesday, when an electric hob was accidentally turned on.

Margaret Clifford, 66, said the fire could have been far more devastating if the smoke alarm had not been triggered.

Mrs Clifford, her son, John, 34, and daughter, Debbie, 38, and two grandchildren, Hollie, 11, and Casey, two, managed to flee their home.

"If the kitchen door hadn't been closed, the whole house would have gone up and we might not have got out in time," said Mrs Clifford.

"The kitchen is ruined and the house absolutely stinks of smoke, but at least we are all safe and well."

Mrs Clifford added: "My son was nearly overcome with smoke after he rushed back into the house to rescue our two dogs, but a neighbour managed to help get him out."

The whole family, including their Jack Russell, received treatment for the effects of smoke.

They returned home from hospital and all slept in the front room, which was not badly affected by smoke damage.

John Clifford said: "We were really lucky to get out safely, but I had to go back in and try to rescue the dogs."

The blaze was virtually under control when the firecrew arrived on the scene, within six minutes of being called out.

The cooker was equipped with a device to cut off electicity and gas and the family tackled the blaze.

Middlesbrough station watch manager Ron Carr said: "They had managed to get out of the house okay, but then the son had realised his two dogs were left inside, so he went in to try and get them.

"We don't recommend people do this. He was overcome by the fumes and was actually laid out on the floor when his neighbour managed to get to him."