A YOUNG couple and a family had a lucky escape after a back-to-back house in Elland caught fire in the early hours of this morning.
Watch commander Dave Boothroyd from Elland fire station said the outcome could have been much worse following the blaze which started in the living room of the terraced home in Elizabeth Street.
A 16-year-old and his 15-year-old female friend had to escape down the drainpipe of the house after the fire started shortly before 3.50am.
A couple and their two young children aged five and nine also had to leave their home after it became smoke logged.
The teenagers and the father all had to be treated at Calderdale Royal Hospital for the effects of smoke inhalation.
Mr Boothroyd said a smoke alarm in the property was not working and was placed on a work surface.
He urged people to get their homes fire safety checked by telephoning 0800 587 4536
