Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

Solar Row, Mitchell Hill, Truro at 12/04/2008 02:29

A neighbour dialled 999 for the fire brigade when a smoke alarm alerted them to a fire next-door. They could see the occuapant inside the house with smoke in the room. Before firefighters from Truro arrived, they had managed to arouse the occupant by kicking and banging on the door. The occupant then escaped to safety and was later checked over by a paramedic, who confirmed there were no ill-effects.

The firefighters found that the fire involved a pan of stew which had been left on the cooker. The fire was already out and they inspected to ensure all was safe.

The working smoke alarm in this property has prevented injury to this occupant and could well have saved their life.

Important Fire Safety Message:
People have DIED in fires when they have tried to cook after they have been drinking alcohol. It is far safer to eat take-away food or something that does not need cooking, if alcohol has been consumed.

The effect of the alcohol can cause a lapse in concentration and drowsiness.
The effect of smoke from a fire can kill a person without waking them.

Working smoke alarms are vital to alert us quickly to a fire in our homes, giving us a better chance to escape. If you already have smoke alarms, please test them now to ensure they are working. If you do not already have smoke alarms, please get some now and call our FREE Fire Safey Helpline for advice on 0800 3581 999.

There is no excuse for not having them.

Related item: http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=723