Date: 15th October, 2018
Firefighters at Dorchester are warning of the dangers of unattended fires as the weather turns colder, after they were called to an incident yesterday (Sunday 14th October).
At 4.32pm yesterday, two crews from Dorchester were called to Holloway Road in the town after reports of a smoke alarm activating and smoke issuing from a terraced house. On entering the property, crews found that the wood burning stove had been left lit when the occupier left the property. This had caused logs next to the stove to ignite.
Station Manager Simon Dennett said: “The occupiers of this property have had a lucky escape. In this case there was not much damage to the property, because the smoke alarm activated and alerted neighbours, but it could so easily have been a different story.
He added: “We continue to remind residents, especially as the weather turns colder, that if you light open fire or log burner please make sure it is fully extinguished before you leave them unattended. Please also think about what other flammable materials are around the fire or burner, such as logs or washing, as these could so easily catch light.”
Fire crews used hose reels and breathing apparatus to extinguish this fire and the stop message was received at 4.54pm. More information about fire safety in the home can be found on the DWFRS website – dwfire.org.uk The website also contains information on how to apply for a Safe and Well visit, where fire service staff can offer bespoke safety advice in your home as well as fitting free smoke alarms, if appropriate.
ENDS