Couple saved after sleeping through smoke alarms

A Christchurch couple are lucky to be alive after they were rescued from their home by firefighters when they slept through two smoke alarms sounding in their house this morning.

The man and woman were found unconscious in the lounge of their Northcote residence.

Station Officer Paul Rodwell said the woman was not breathing when she was taken from the house and firefighters resuscitated her at the scene.

St John took both to Christchurch Hospital, where the man was transferred to intensive care for further treatment.

Fire Safety Officer Joy Johnstone -- who attended the scene -- said the fire most likely started on or near the kitchen stove.

"The victims returned home from a night out around 3.30am or 4am, but can remember very little of what occurred after that," she said.

Acting Fire Region Commander Mark Chubb said smoke alarms improved the chances of waking in time to escape but were not life insurance.

"People impaired by alcohol or drugs can fall sleep faster and sleep more deeply than someone who isn't.

"We keep telling people, smoke alarms are your last line of defence."

Ms Johnstone said if the couple pulled through they owed their lives to a vigilant neighbour and a rapid response from firefighters.

- NZPA