FIREFIGHTERS have issued safety advice after a fire broke out at a student house in Winchester.

The fire happened at a home in Thurmond Crescent, Stanmore this afternoon.

Fire crews from Winchester, Basingstoke and Eastleigh were called to the fire at 12.15pm.

However by the time they arrived, the fire had been put out by the students at the home.

It is understood discarded smoking materials caused the fire in the hallway and landing area.

Watch manager at Winchester Fire Station, Phil Foxton said the fire was preventable, as the home had smoke alarms which had no batteries.

Mr Foxton said: "There was smoke detection in the property but it had run out of battery so it was inadequately covered.

"We handed out safety advice and left the students to be checked by South Central Ambulance Service.

Mr Foxton, described the fire damage as minor, he added: "It was completely preventable had they had a working smoking alarm.

"If you have got smoke protection make sure it is working.

"If you do not have it, you should install it in the escape routes, and ideally have one smoke alarm on each floor. "