Sub Officer Malcolm Dunford pictured outside the fire-hit home in Kingsway West, Acomb, today

Parents have been warned of the dangers of leaving matches and lighters within children's reach after fire broke out in a York house today.

A mother and her two young children had a lucky escape after bedding and plastic materials were set alight in the children's bedroom of the house in Kingsway West, Acomb, York.

Sub Officer Malcolm Dunford, of Acomb fire station, said it appeared that the children had set light to the room after matches were left where they could find them.

Sub Off Dunford said: "We got a call to a bedroom fire at 8.35am. We arrived to find the whole of the first floor smoke logged and a smouldering fire in the front bedroom.

"It would appear it was caused by small children so the dangers of leaving matches and lighters laying around is clear.

"You can't watch them every second of the day."

The family were unhurt and the mother took her children outside as soon as she detected the fire.

They were today being looked after at the home of a neighbour and did not wish to speak to the Evening Press.

Sub Off Dunford said: "It has obviously been a serious fire but it was not difficult to put out.

"They have been quite lucky. The worst things seems to have been the amount of smoke damage upstairs.

"The whole of the upstairs is black. Obviously she got the kids out straight away so she did the right thing."

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