A PENSIONER died after a fire broke out in a bungalow in Ringwood.

Firefighters from Dorset and Hampshire attended the property in Kingsfield at 5.36pm on Wednesday.

A 72-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene by South Central Ambulance Service.

Crews from Ringwood, Eastleigh and Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to the scene.

Firefighters used two hose reel jets and four sets of breathing apparatus to extinguish the fire in the lounge.

The stop message from the fire service came at 6.35pm.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said a fire investigation will now take place to establish the cause of the blaze.

The service also issued advice to all residents around the importance of working smoke alarms.

A statement from the fire service said: "Smoke alarms provide valuable early warning of a fire, allowing families to get out, stay out and call 999.

"We ask that residents of Hampshire ensure they have working smoke alarms, test them regularly and prepare an escape plan, considering exit routes and the closing of fire doors.

"For more information on fire safety in your home please visit ‪http://www.hantsfire.gov.uk/keeping-safe/."

Hampshire Police were also called to the scene.

A force spokesperson confirmed that the man’s next-of-kin had been informed. The death is not being treated as suspicious at this stage.