A portable air conditioning unit is believed to have started a fire at a home in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote, during the early hours of this morning (Tuesday).

The blaze broke out just before 3.30am in a property on Calle Austria, in the Faro Pechiguera area of the municipality of Yaiza. Emergency services were alerted to a fire in one of the rooms at the property. Local Police officers guided firefighters to the area and confirmed that everyone inside had safely left the building.

By the time firefighters arrived, one of the residents had managed to bring the flames under control. An inspection indicated that the fire had possibly started in a portable air conditioning unit, which was completely destroyed.

Smoke had also affected the rest of the property. Firefighters ventilated the building before advising the family not to stay there until it had been properly cleaned and made safe.