Two workers passing by a house in Sta Venera at 1pm spotted smoke coming out of the windows and took prompt action.

Using a ladder they were carrying, the foreign nationals climbed onto the first-floor balcony and persuaded the elderly lady who lived there to climb down. The workers then stayed on the balcony to help an elderly man until an ambulance and fire-engine turned up.

On-site witnesses said that the blaze was put out promptly, with the two elderly residents being checked for smoke inhalation.