A WOMAN and six children fled a blaze inside their home after one of the youngsters accidentally started a fire in a bedroom with a lighter they found.

One child needed resuscitating and was taken to hospital along with another siblings after the family of seven got out of the home, in Cutler Heights, at 9pm on Tuesday.

Before firefighters arrived, control operators gave advice over the phone to people at the scene to help the child breathe.

Firefighters took over and performed first aid on the child for around 15 minutes before the youngster was revived. 

Crews from Stanningley, Shipley and Fairweather Green were called to the scene, but the family were awake and able to leave the home after one of the children set fire to the bedroom.

A neighbour saw smoke pouring out the roof and dialled 999.

Crews tackled the fire, which was largely confined to the main bedroom of the house. 

They used four breathing apparatus and two hose reels to extinguish the fire and to search the house. 

The first floor of the property suffered around 20 per cent damage.

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service has issued advice for parents in a bid to prevent any more fires starting unnecessarily.

Area Manager Nick Smith said: "We know that fire can be fascinating for children; this is why it is important to keep any matches, lighters, and other fire-starting tools out of sight and to also to educate them of the dangers.

"The school summer holidays have just started and kids will be looking to entertain themselves at home and we know parents don’t have eyes in the back of their heads; however, this might be a time to check how safe your home is and to remove any obvious dangers. 

"We want everyone to have a safe summer and avoid any accidents.

"I would like to offer my best wishes to the child and the family; they had a lucky escape from what could’ve been a serious fire. 

"Thankfully the home had a working smoke alarm and if it wasn’t for the quick actions of the family and neighbours the outcome could have been much worse."

Their advice includes keeping matches and lighters where children cannot see or reach them, putting child locks on cupboards containing anything that could be used to start a fire and not letting children play or leave toys near a fire or heater.

They also suggest putting a childproof fireguard in front of an open fire or heater, keep any escape routes clear of toys or other obstructions and placing candles and tea lights where children cannot reach them.
Firefighters are urging parents to never leave children alone in the kitchen when cooking and never let them play near the oven and hob, and to not leave children alone in rooms where there is a fire risk.