THREE people have been rescued after a kitchen fire at their York home - probably caused by an e-cigarette which was charging.

The trio, who were all taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation, may have been saved by a smoke alarm at the property in Oldman Court, Foxwood.

North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service said the alarm on the first floor activated, warning a man, aged about 55, who was in bed following a night shift, so he was able him to vacate the premises.

A spokesman said two women, aged about 60, were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation by firecrews, before also being transported to hospital by ambulance.

"They suffered smoke inhalation as a result of attempting to fight the fire and raising the alarm," he said.

He said that crews from Acomb and York went to the scene at 10.05am and extinguished the fire, which had extensively damaged the kitchen, with smoke damage throughout the lower floor.

"In total, firecrews used one hose reel jet, four breathing appartus, a fan to ventilate the premises of smoke, first aid and oxygen therapy," he said.

"The cause after some initial fire investigation, but still to be ratified, is believed to have been that it started due to one or two e-cigarettes, recently purchased, which were charging in the kitchen at the time."