Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

Prislow Fields, Falmouth at 15/08/2013 03:22

The sound of a smoke detector actuating is believed to have alerted neighbours, who investigated and saw flames through a kitchen window of a two-storey house. They called 999 for the Fire Service and two fire appliances from Falmouth Community Fire Station were mobilised. The first fire crew arrived within seven minutes and managed to awake an occupant, who made their own way out but a second occupant was rescued by firefighters wearing breathing apparatus after being located on the floor of the kitchen. One hosereel was then used to extinguish the fire in the kitchen, which has suffered significant damage. Both occupants were suffering the effects of smoke inhalation and were treated at the scene by ambulance personnel.

The British Red Cross Fire and Emergency Support Service also attended to offer help and support to the occupants.

Although a smoke alarm was sounding it had not awoken the occupants of the house on fire. Fortunately, neighbours responded and took the correct action of dialling 999 for the Fire Service. Their actions have prevented the loss of life.

Fire Safety Advice:
Cook safely
Most kitchen fires occur when people are distracted or leave things unattended, so remember:

~ don't cook if you're affected by alcohol or prescription drugs
~ if you're called away from the cooker - by the phone or someone at the door, for example - take pans off the heat
~ don't let yourself be distracted while cooking
~ turn saucepans so that their handles don't stick out (and aren't over another ring)
~ don't put oven gloves or tea-towels down onto the hot cooker after you've used them
~ clean your grill pan after using it.

SMOKE ALARMS SAVE LIVES
Fires happen when you least expect them, often during the night. They also spread very quickly, damaging property, killing and injuring people. Smoke alarms are essential for every home. If you already have them, please test them NOW. If you do not have any smoke alarms, they can be purchased from as little as £5 and are available from DIY stores, electrical shops and many supermarkets and high-street retailers.

In Cornwall, we are committed to reducing fire deaths by ensuring that every home in the county has a working smoke alarm. To make sure this happens, firefighters now carry out free home safety checks and if necessary fit free smoke alarms.

Related item: http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=7269