FIRE chiefs are warning people not to tackle blazes in their homes after a couple were taken to hospital with burns yesterday.

The couple and other family members, from St Andrew's Crescent, Mardy, Abergavenny, fought to control the flames after the blaze woke them at around 6.30am.

The fire service was called at 6.35am, and paramedics took father Chin Chan, 49, and his partner Wendy, 40, to Nevill Hall Hospital suffering from burns and smoke inhalation. They were later transferred to Morriston Hospital in Swansea, where they are both said to be in stable conditions.

It is believed Mr Chan tried to extinguish the fire himself using a garden hose, but the father of three suffered facial burns. His partner suffered burns to her arms and hands.

Station officer Mark Francis, of Abergavenny Fire Station, said: "Although it is tempting to try and tackle a fire yourself, especially if it's in your own home, we always encourage people to leave it to professional firefighters.

"Our message is get out, stay out and call the fire and rescue service out."

The cause of the fire is being investigated. It is believed to be accidental and to have started in the couple's bedroom.

Local people said yesterday that Mr Chan, who is deaf, communicated with firemen with the help of a neighbour who ran to assist the family.

Three children also live at the address, but only two were present at the time of the fire - Chris, who is in his late teens, and Alex, who is in his early 20s. Neither was hurt in the blaze.

Yesterday neighbours of the family spoke of how they were woken by the drama.

Tracy James lives on nearby St David's Road. Her house backs on to the Chans'.

She said: "It was lucky because I was out in the garden hanging out washing very early, and I heard a bang. I heard Mr Chan shouting, and he was obviously in distress, and I saw black smoke coming from the back bedroom windows.

"I ran over, and saw a neighbour looking out of a window so I shouted to call an ambulance. Mr Chan was outside with a badly burned face. His partner Wendy had hurt her arm, and was in quite a state. I brought them to my house. Me and another neighbour went back and we got their little dog out"