Date: 26th December, 2020
At 12.24pm yesterday (25 December) firefighters from Salisbury (x2) Amesbury and Cranborne supported by Hampshire FRS crews, were called to reports of a house fire in Castle Meadow, Downton. On arrival firefighters found a serious fire in the front room of a bungalow which was venting through the roof of the property. Firefighters used four sets of breathing apparatus, two hose reels and two main jets to extinguish the fire.
Group Manager Katie Cornhill, Fire Investigation Officer at this incident said: “The most probable cause appears to be accidental. The elderly resident of the property was led to safety by neighbours who heard the smoke alarm activating. The occupant of the premises was cared for by Ambulance service colleagues on the scene. We would never advise anyone to go into a fire before we arrive, but on this occasion the neighbours were lucky to be able to help the resident and we are very grateful for that.”
The stop message was received at 1.35pm. Firefighters returned to the property at 6.30pm last night to reinspect the incident, it was then closed.
Smoke alarms really do save lives and give an early warning to a fire. Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service recommends that occupiers have a smoke alarm on every level of their home. Smoke alarms should be tested regularly, and the batteries replaced annually or as directed in the manufacturers instructions. More information on smoke alarms and home safety can be found on the DWFRS website dwfire.org.uk