A MAN was taken to hospital following a living room fire in Ellesmere Port.

Both of the town’s fire engines were called to the blaze in Deansgate at 8.24am on Saturday.

A fire station spokesman said: “This was a small fire caused possibly by a pillow falling on top of the gas fire.

“There was damage caused to the fireplace, mantle-piece and fire surround. We removed the fireplace to ensure there were no flames behind.

“The premises was smoke-logged throughout and there was damage to the laminate flooring too.

“A male occupier was taken to the Countess of Chester Hospital for treatment for smoke inhalation. Some of his clothing was also slightly burnt.”

One hose reel and four officers in breathing apparatus had doused the fire. The house had no smoke detectors fitted, say officers.