FIREFIGHTERS were called to a house in Penryn this morning after a fire started in a kitchen.

Crews from Falmouth and Truro were sent to Glen View shortly before 9.30am.

A spokesman for Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service said that firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the house to extinguish the flames.

In the wake of the blaze the service has reminded householders of the importance of having a working smoke alarm.

Its advice is as follows:

- Fit at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home, they are available from DIY stores, electrical shops and most high street supermarkets.

- The ideal position for a smoke alarm is on the ceiling, in the middle of a room, and on the hallway and landing, so you can hear an alarm throughout your home.

- Only take the battery out when you need to replace it

- You can even have linked alarms installed, so that when one alarm detects a fire they all go off together.

- If you have a ten year alarm, or a mains connected alarm, they will need to be replaced every ten years. This date can usually be found on the alarm.

- Avoid putting alarms in or near kitchens or bathrooms where smoke or steam can set them off by accident.

- Never disconnect or take the batteries out of your alarm if it goes off by mistake.

- Strobe lighting and vibrating pad smoke alarms are available for the deaf or hard of hearing

See if you can get a free smoke alarm and fire safety check by registering for a Free Home Fire Safety Check.