A FAMILY of three were lucky to be alive after a blaze gutted their Tottington home.

The heartbreak of the fire was thrown into focus by one charred photo image as neighbours spoke of their shock at the scale of destruction.

The framed picture of the smiling couple sat on top of a pile of furniture outside the home in Bury Road, from which firefighters said the family were lucky to escape.

A lit candle on top of a television in the living room is believed to have started the fire at the terraced house at about 6am last Thursday (May 14).

The occupants, one male and two females – believed to be a couple and their daughter – were taken to Fairfield Hospital suffering from smoke inhalation.

“I’m just relieved that no one was seriously hurt. They were so lucky to get out,” said one neighbour, who asked not to be named.

“I’ve been told they lost everything apart from a photo album and their dog managed to escape to the back yard.

“Although the structure seems okay, the inside is completely ruined.”

Houses next door suffered only minor smoke damage as firefighters put out the inferno before flames could spread to them.

Watch manager Gary Stredder said: "It was a rapid fire possibly caused by a candle.

"We carried out a smoke alarm campaign at the back end of last year and fitted smoke alarms in that road.

"Next door heard the alarm and made the call to us.

"The family were very lucky to escape this fire.

"The house is destroyed, the living room experienced 100 per cent damage and most of the house too."

He added: "We can't stress enough the importance of smoke alarms.

"We will come out and fit them for free, and in this case I am 100 per cent certain that the fire alarm saved this family's life."

The road was closed for a few hours while three fire engines occupied the road.

* To have a fire alarm fitted: call 0800 555815.