A WORKING smoke alarm and a neighbour helped save the life of a Launceston resident on Sunday.

A 999 call was received at Fire Control, Truro, from a concerned person reporting that a fire alarm was sounding at a neighbour's flat in Kensey Valley Meadow, Launceston, at 10.12am on Sunday.

It was thought that the occupant of the flat was still inside and the caller also thought that they could smell burning.

Two fire brigade appliances from Launceston were immediately sent to the address, along with ambulance personnel and police.

On arrival, firefighters, wearing breathing apparatus, forced entry into the smoke-filled flat and rescued a man, who was suffering from smoke inhalation and burns.

Oxygen was administered until the arrival of the ambulance and the man was taken to hospital.

The fire involved a cooker, which was extinguished using one hose reel. There was light fire damage to the kitchen and smoke damage to the remainder of the flat.

A Cornwall County Fire Brigade spokesman said: "Had it not been for the working smoke alarm and the concerned neighbour, then this incident could easily have resulted in a fatality.

"Smoke alarms are essential for every home. Fires happen when you least expect them, often during the night. They also spread very quickly, damaging property, killing and injuring people."