Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

Tremar Coombe, near Liskeard at 14/11/2008 23:37

Firefighters from Liskeard attended a chimney fire and found that it had spread to a beam downstairs and also the roof. The crews spent three hours dealing with the fire, using breathing apparatus, ladders, one hosereel and a stirrup pump and rods. Tiles had to be removed from the roof and they had to cut away beams to ensure the fire was fully extinguished.

The occupant of the property had woken to find his room filling with smoke. There was a smoke alarm in the property but the battery had been removed.

General Fire Safety Advice:
Maintaining smoke alarms
You must look after your smoke alarms. Every year people are killed in fires because
their alarms failed to work because of flat or missing batteries.

Once a week test the battery by pressing the test button until the alarm sounds. If the alarm ever starts to 'beep' regularly, replace the battery as soon as possible.
Once a year change the battery (unless it is a 10-year alarm).
Twice a year open the case and gently vacuum the inside to remove dust from the sensor. If it doesn't open, vacuum through the holes.
After 10 years it's best to replace your smoke alarm with a whole new unit.

Related item: http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=40428