A simple flicked cigarette butt sparked a fire that destroyed the backyard of 6PR Producer Katie Ruska.

Click PLAY to hear Katie’s story.

Recounting the scary moments to Perth Live host Russell Collett, Katie explains her house survived the blaze only thanks to quick-thinking neighbours and a fast response from firefighters.

“Firefighters reckon if they weren’t there when they got there ‘another two minutes and I would have lost the whole house’,” she said.

It’s a timely reminder of the risk of flicking cigarette butts during the dry season.

Hear more highlights from Perth Live below and download the 6PR app on iOS or Android to ensure you don’t miss a thing!

Image: Supplied