Dog saves family after Christmas tree lights set house on fire

A family from Morriston, Swansea, has been left without a home for Christmas after it was destroyed by a fire started by Christmas tree lights.

But Nicola Jayne Jackson and her family are grateful to be alive after their dog, Bella, alerted them to the fire.

Nicola and her family were fast asleep when their house was engulfed in flames last weekend.

Nicola, 33, was fast asleep with her two daughters Nia, nine, and Eva, six.

Her husband Bradley, 32, was asleep downstairs as the smoke and fire spread through their home.

Nicola eventually got out of bed to find out why her dog was barking at around 11pm when she was confronted by smoke and flames.

Throughout all this, Bradley was fast asleep on the sofa and didn't realise what was going on.

When Nicola managed to get the children outside, she ran back in to save her husband.

Nicola's dog, Bella, ran back inside to hide under a pillow but was brought out by a fireman when they arrived shortly after 11pm.

The family were lucky to get out alive, but their Christmas presents and belongings were destroyed.

The family are now staying in a local hotel until they can sort out long term accommodation.

Western Power Distribution have released tips to help people keep safe over the festive period:

• Check the condition of the lights when you unpack them and discard any with frayed or exposed wires

• Consider replacing old lights with the latest specification low voltage lights which are less likely to get hot and overheat

• If installing outdoor lighting, always look up and check for overhead power lines – particularly if you are using a ladder – as electricity can jump

• Never use lights designed for indoor use outside

• Use a Residual Current Device (RCD) at the socket where you plug the lights in and take care not to overload plugs and extension leads