A MAN and woman along with five dogs escaped a fire in a bungalow during the early hours of this morning. 

A room was "well alight" in the property on Birchwood Drive in Alderholt on Monday (April 1). 

Fire crews from Fordingbridge and Cranborne were sent to the scene after reports of black smoke in the bungalow at about 3.15am.

The two occupants, a man and woman, and five dogs were already out of the property when firefighters arrived and were checked over by the ambulance service.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said one room was "well alight" in the property when firefighters arrived. 

The cause of the fire is believed to have been an electrical fault. 

Station manager Graham Kewley, who attended the incident, said: “A preliminary fire investigation has put the cause down to an electrical fault.

"Unfortunately the doors within the property were not closed so it has suffered heavy smoke damage.

"I would like to remind the public that closing doors and unplugging unnecessary electrics when you go to bed can reduce the risk of fire and smoke spreading.

"Working smoke alarms within the property gave the occupants an early warning to this fire and enabled them to escape safety. Please make sure your smoke alarms work and are tested weekly.”

South Western Ambulance Service said it treated one male at the scene for smoke inhalation. 

The British Red Cross emergency response team also attended to provide support to the occupants.

The fire was dealt with by about 4.35am.