Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

Edgcumbe Avenue, Newquay at 06/06/2008 20:26

Firefighters from Newquay, St Columb and Perranporth were mobilised following numerous 999 calls reporting large amounts of smoke issuing from a building.

The first crew to arrive reported that the upstairs flat of a detached house, divided into 2 flats, was well alight and that persons were reported trapped inside.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the flat and one person was rescued, suffering the effects of smoke inhalation. One person and a dog had already escaped, when they were alerted to the fire by members of the public shouting at the door. These people had been alerted by the smoke alarm that was actuating inside the flat.

In all, six sets of breathing apparatus, two hosereels, one jet and a positive pressure ventilation fan were used to extinguish the fire by 2100hrs.

The fire started in a cooker and spread causing severe damage to this flat and the occupants are lucky to have survived. If it wasn't for the actions of neighbours and passers-by who, on hearing the smoke alarm and seeing the smoke, called 999 for the fire brigade and tried to alert the occupants, then the consequences would have almost certainly been more tragic.

Firefighters from Newquay will return tomorrow to highlight the dangers of fire in the home to neighbours and they will be offering fire safety advice.

A home fire safety check is offered free to any home in Cornwall and to book your appointement please call free on 0800 3581 999.

General Fire Safety Advice:
NEVER cook if you are excessively tired, under the influence of alcohol, drugs or other medication that may affect you ability to cook safely.

ENSURE that you have working smoke alarms in your home, so that you can be alerted to a fire and increase your chances of escaping.
Neighbours and passers-by may also be alerted to a fire in your home and may be able to help you escape and call 999 for the fire brigade.

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