Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

Western Terrace, Falmouth at 15/02/2011 04:27

Two fire appliances from Falmouth attended a report from a neighbour of a fire alarm sounding and, on investigation, smoke could be seen in a flat with someone inside.

Firefighters arrived within four minutes and forced their way into the flat. An occupant suffering smoke inhalation was rescued and left in care of ambulance personnel.

The source of the smoke was from a fire involving a pan, which had been left on the cooker and was quickly dealt with by the fire crews.

The smoke alarm in the flat had been covered with a plastic bag but, fortunately, the smoke had managed to actuate the alarm anyway, probably saving this person's life.

There are two important lessons to be learnt from this incident:
1. Cook safely
Most kitchen fires occur when people are distracted or leave things unattended, so remember:
- don't cook if you are tired or drowsy
- don't cook if you're affected by alcohol or prescription drugs
- don't let yourself be distracted while cooking

2. Smoke alarms
Make sure you have unobstructed, working smoke alarms in your home, that you test regularly.
A working smoke alarm could be the difference between life and death.
The smell of smoke will not wake you but the sound of a smoke alarm actuating probably will.

For further fire safety advice, please follow the link below:

Related item: http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=7253