Lucky escape for sleeping family

A sleeping family with a newborn baby narrowly escaped their Port Kennedy home before it went up in flames last week.

FESA responded to the call at 37 Endeavour Drive about 1.40pm and managed to contain the fire before it spread to neighbouring homes.

Rockingham Fire Station officer Wayne Green said the fire started in the patio and within minutes, spread to the carport and kitchen.

Neighbours reported hearing a loud explosion before seeing flames bursting through the house roof.

Mr Green said the explosion was not the cause of the fire, but a result of it spreading to a car in the carport.

‘‘The explosion was well after the fire started, it was most likely a gas strut or tyre popping,’’ he said.

Officers at the scene said the young women and her baby were asleep on a couch, a young man and the woman’s father were also having a nap when her mother saw the flames and alerted the family.

The young woman was treated for smoke inhalation after neighbours claimed she had stayed to try and save Christmas presents.

Mr Green said smoke alarms were not fitted and damage to the home was estimated at more than $100,000.