The fire started at the home in Hackett Road at 11.45am yesterday (Sunday February 7). The couple had been cleaning out the embers from the tray underneath a multi-fuel stove and were taking them outside when some dropped onto a chair and set on fire. Four firefighters using breathing apparatus put out the flames at the semi-detached home. The couple were treated by paramedics at the scene for smoke inhalation and were taken to Sandwell General hospital. A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said a number of pets were rescued from the house. Crews from Oldbury, Haden Cross and Smethwick attended, with the incident prompting a warning from firefighters.