A doting dog owner has thanked her pooch for saving her life after it alerted her to a fire at her Gateshead flat.

On 5th January, Jordan Kent had just got back from walking her six-year-old dog Maddy when she decided to run a bath.

The 26-year-old lit some candles in her bedroom and popped into the bathroom to start her bath when the Jack Russell Terrier started barking.

The bark was different than normal and Jordan went to go investigate, thinking she’d left her front door open after the walk.

Maddy was stood barking at the bedroom door and Jordan opened it slightly to see what was on the other side.

She was met with flames and smoke filling her bedroom, Jordan closed the door, grabbed Maddy and ran to the front door calling 999.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) received the call just after 8:20pm and dispatched a fire appliance to her Bensham flat.

Firefighters from Gateshead Community Fire Station were on the scene in just four minutes to extinguish the blaze and ensure Jordan and Maddy were okay.

Jordan’s dressing gown had caught fire from one of the candles in her bedroom and the smoke alarms at the rented flat hadn’t activated.

Today (Friday), Jordan is praising firefighters for their quick response to help her in her hour of need – and says Maddy has had a few extra dog treats too.

She said “When I heard Maddy barking, it was so odd, it wasn’t her regular bark as if she was playing, and it was as if she was scared.

“She was in the hallway just barking at the door but I couldn’t see what was on the other side so I just opened the door slightly and saw flames and smoke and closed it.

“Thank god for Maddy, my smoke alarm hadn’t gone off – I didn’t even know she knew what fire was because she’s never even been around a campfire or anything like that.

“As soon as I was off the phone after calling 999, I could hear the sirens the crews were there so quickly to help me.

“Maddy has definitely been getting extra treats, if it wasn’t for her I don’t know what would have happened, I’m so glad we got out and the firefighters were there so quickly.”

Watch Manager Graeme Jackson was one of the crew members that helped extinguish the fire that night.

He said “Thankfully the fire was contained to the bedroom because Jordan closed the door.

“But fires can spread very quickly and cause significant damage in just a matter of minutes, luckily Jordan heard Maddy’s barking and got out safely.

“We would always encourage you to check your smoke alarms and if they aren’t working to get in touch.

“Never cover your smoke alarms as they are the first line of defence against fire and can save your life – not everyone has Maddy to alert them.”

Jordan and Maddy are moving out of that flat after the fire as the damage sustained is too much for them to live there safely.

If you’re worried about your smoke alarm not working or where it’s placed, get in touch with TWFRS and get your smoke alarm fitted to make sure you are safe.

TWFRS fit smoke and heat detectors for free, you can request a Safe and Well Check, which includes the fitting of free smoke alarms and advice to protect your home from fire by calling TWFRS on their freephone number 0800 032 7777 or fill in their online form.