A BOY is lucky to be alive after a suspected arson attack on a Horwich house, fire chiefs said.

The 16 year old was sleeping in the attic of the semi-detached property in Hillside Crescent when a fire began in an adjoining garage at 3.15am today.

Fire crews said the blaze quickly ripped through the concrete garage, broke a window and spread under the stairs and into the living room and kitchen.

Watch manager Craig Lunt, of Horwich fire station, said a smoke alarm – fitted by the fire service in 2008 – woke the boy and he was able to race down the stairs and through the front door to safety.

“I am absolutely certain that, had the smoke alarm not have sounded, he would not have had a chance. The fire would have spread very quickly, trapping him and we would be dealing with a fatality. He is lucky to be alive,” added watch manager Lunt.

The fire destroyed the garage, caused severe smoke logging to the kitchen and damaged the living room.

An initial investigation revealed there was nothing stored in the garage that would have ignited the fire and, because the garage door appeared to have been prised open, it is possible that it was an arson attack.

Police and fire bosses are due to begin a formal investigation into the cause of the fire later this morning.

Watch manager Lunt added: "The fact that we fitted the smoke alarm in 2008 after a request for a home fire risk assessment from the occupiers shows how crucial these assessments can be.

"We will be returning to the street to speak to neighbours and encouraging them to check that they have working smoke alarms."

To book an assessment, call 0800 555 815.