FIRE crews were called out last night to Cedar Lane in Cockermouth to tackle a property fire.

Smoke alarms alerted the elderly man man who lives at the property in Cedar Lane and he had escaped to the outside by the time fire crews arrived at 5.45pm.

Crews from Cockermouth and Workington tackled the blaze - said to have been caused by an overheated chip pan.

The fire was initially tackled by a neighbour.

An ambulance crew gave the man from the property oxygen as firefighters checked the property and made it safe, using fans to clear it of smoke.

The two fire crews were on scene for about 40 minutes.

A spokesman for Cumbria Fire & Rescue service said: "Can we remind you, the public, that smoke detectors save lives, giving early warning of danger. This premises did have detectors .

"Fire safety information and to organise a safe and well visit to your home, can be obtained by contacting

0800 358 4777 if you have received a Home Fire Safety Check or Safe and Well Visit from Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service and your smoke alarm has stopped working.

"For a free replacement, please contact Fire Angel on 0800 141 2561."