Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

Kensey Valley Meadow, Launceston at 28/12/2008 10:12

A 999 call was received in Fire Control, Truro, from a concerned person reporting that a fire alarm was sounding at a neighbour's flat and that it was thought that the neighbour was still inside. The caller also thought that they could smell burning.

Two fire appliances from Launceston were immediately mobilised, along with ambulance and police.

On arrival, firefighters wearing breathing apparatus forced an entry into the smoke-filled flat and rescued a man, who was suffering smoke inhalation and burns. Oxygen was administered until the arrival of the ambulance and the casualty has now been taken to hospital. There will be no further details available from the brigade relating to the casualty.

The fire involved a cooker, which was extinguished using one hosereel. There was light fire damage to the kitchen and smoke damage to the remainder of the flat.

Had it not been for the working smoke alarm and the concerned neighbour, then this incident could easily have resulted in a fatality.

General Fire Safety Advice:
Smoke alarms are essential for every home.
Fires happen when you least expect them, often during the night. They also spread very quickly, damaging property, killing and injuring people.

Please follow the link below for more information about smoke alarms.

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