Firefighters have issued a warning to flood-hit residents to check their electrics before moving back in.

It follows a lucky escape at a property in Brunton Crescent, off Warwick Road, in the early hours of yesterday.

Homeowners are also urged to ensure smoke alarms are working and get new ones fitted if needed.

Crews from the Carlisle East and Carlisle West stations rushed to the Brunton Crescent at 1.30am after the occupant, who was upstairs had been woken by a loud bang.

They found that an electrical fuse had blown. There was no fire but smoke and scorch marks under the stairs.

The occupant, who relied on a stairlift, was unable to get downstairs because the electrics were not working.

A fire service spokesman said it was a flood-hit property, and the problem was caused by an electrical fault.

The house also didn’t have any smoke alarms.

He urged others who are moving back into their homes to take extra precautions to ensure it is safe and that the electrical system has not suffered as a result of the flood.

“People are starting to move back into their homes in the Warwick Road area. With them having been flooded they should have the electrics checked as a precaution,” he said.

“People may also have moved back in and not have any smoke alarms, or checked the old ones are still working.

“If they haven’t they can get the fire service to check them. We just want people to know we are here so they don’t take risks.”

Cumbria Fire Service carries out free home safety checks and fits alarms for free. To find out more or book a visit call 0800 358 477.

Electricity North West is currently carrying out checks of flood-hit areas as many residents return to their homes.