Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service units from Marrara, Darwin and Palmerston responded to reports of a house fire in the suburb of Lyons at 11am this morning.

A house in Bilanggurra Street was well alight on arrival and crews had the fire under control within five minutes.

The kitchen and living areas of the house were extensively damaged.

Fire Investigation Manger, Station Officer Peter Van Boxtel said the likely cause of the fire was a toaster.

“Two people inside the house at the time, a woman and her young grandson, were alerted to the presence of the fire by the activation of the smoke alarm.  They were able to evacuate the house without injury.

“We cannot stress enough the immeasurable value of having a working smoke alarm in your house. Only working smoke alarms save lives.” Station Officer Van Boxtel said.

Since November 2011, all Territory homes are legally required to have a working smoke alarm. To find out more about the legislative requirements, visit www.fire.nt.gov.au