Smoke detectors save Falls family

A smoke alarm allowed a woman and two small children to escape a fire in Niagara Falls that caused extensive damage to their townhouse.

All three were able to evacuate the Ailanthus Avenue home when flames broke out before 11 o’clock last night. The children, aged 2 and 6, were not hurt. The woman was taken to hospital for smoke inhalation.

Fire officials say the blaze started when a laundry basket was set on top of the stove while an element was on. Damage is estimated at $110,000.