AN ELDERLY man survived a house fire unscathed after flames ripped through the ground floor to the roof thanks to a smoke alarm.

The alarm alerted the victim when a fire broke out in his two storey semi detached home in Stanley Avenue, Greenford at around 6am on Wednesday morning (28).

He managed to escape without any serious injury but was taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation. 

Four fire engines from Northolt and Wembley carrying around 20 firefighters tackled the blaze which damage both floors and part of the roof. The fire was under control by 7.15am.

Charlie Hanks, Northolt Fire Stations's Red Watch manager, said: "The fire was well developed when we got there but crews quickly got to work and managed to stop the fire from spreading to the neighbouring house.

"I think it's fair to say the smoke alarm saved this gentleman's life. If he hadn't had an alarm he might not have realised there was a fire until it was too late.

"I'd ask all local people to ensure you've got a working smoke alarm on each level of your home."

The cause of the fire is under investigation.