The public is being reminded of the importance of using proper fireguards after a house fire in Onchan.

Firemen wearing breathing apparatus attended a property in Sunningdale Drive after a coal from an open fire fell out and burnt a hole through the floorboards. The occupier of the house was out at the time and the fire was surrounded by a child's guard but not a spark guard.

Fortunately there were no injuries in the incident and the householder called the fire services promptly after smelling smoke.

Fire services say unattended fires should always have a spark guard placed in front of them.