Sudbury fire fighters were called to a home on Hawthorne Drive at around 3:20 a.m. on Friday, after an electrical fire started in the basement.

Officials say two people were sleeping in the home when the fire started, but got out safely after a fire alarm woke them up.

The platoon chief says this is one more example of why it's important to make sure your smoke detector is in working order.

“The lady heard the smoke alarm and thought it was a malfunctioning smoke alarm, got up, went towards the basement, saw all the smoke and flames and woke up her husband and they just exited the building,” said Mike Valiquette, Greater Sudbury Fire Services platoon chief.

“They're lucky, and again, people don't realize how valuable smoke alarms are.”

 Fire officials said damage to the home is estimated at $300,000.