Working smoke alarms saved the lives of Launceston residents after fire tore through their home overnight.
Fire crews from Launceston, Rocherlea and Prospect responded to reports of a blaze at a two-storey duplex on Welman Crescent about 4:40am on Friday.
Crews arrived to find the lower floor engulfed in flames.
All residents had already evacuated safely after smoke alarms alerted them to the danger.
The fire spread to the neighbouring duplex on the lower floor before firefighters brought it under control.
Both properties sustained significant damage.
Senior station officer Jason Johnson said the incident highlighted why every home needs functioning smoke alarms.
“The residents had safely evacuated thanks to working smoke alarms which alerted them to the fire,” he said.
“This fire is an example of how working smoke alarms save lives.”
A fire investigation has been unable to determine the cause of the blaze.
The Tasmania Fire Service strongly recommends homes install working smoke alarms in every sleeping area.
