Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

Westgate Street, Launceston at 21/03/2004 03:03

On receipt of this call, Fire Control despatched two Launceston appliances to this address, on arrival crews found that the fire involved a top floor flat. A team of breathing apparatus wearers entered the flat and used a hosereel to extinguish the fire. One casualty was removed from the flat and treated by Brigade personnel for the effects of smoke inhilation and then passed into the hands of Westcountry Ambulance.
The call was received at Fire Control from a member of the public in another flat who was alerted by the sound of a smoke alarm.

General Advice
Smoke Alarms
You are 6 times more likely to die in a fire if you do not have a working smoke alarm.

Use a birthday or other important calendar event to remind you to change your battery/vacuum it.
If your home is on one level, for minimum protection, you should fit an alarm in the hallway between the living and sleeping areas.
If your home has more than one floor, one alarm should be fitted at the bottom of the staircase with further alarms fitted on each stair landing.
Smoke alarms must confirm to BS 5446 part 1.
Smoke alarms must be maintained in accordance with manufacturers instructions
Test the alarm once per week to ensure the unit is working.
Vacuum the unit twice a year .
Replace the battery once a year (unless it is a 10 year battery type or mains powered) it will beep about once a minute to indicate low battery.
Use an important calendar event to remind you to change your battery, e.g. Birthday, Christmas etc.
Your life could depend on having smoke alarms that work. They need to be fitted in the right place with working batteries, and they need simple but regular care.

Related item: http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/fire/fsafety/fs01b.htm