Date: 19th July, 2019
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to the property in Dulverton Avenue, Swindon at 5:37am today, with three fire crews attending, two from Swindon and one from Stratton. Six breathing apparatus wearers used three hose reel jets and one safety jet to extinguish the fire.
After a quick search of the property, two breathing apparatus wearers discovered and rescued a 57 year old man. He was treated for severe smoke inhalation by South Western Ambulance Service paramedics and taken to Great Western Hospital. The neighbouring residents were also evacuated and quickly brought to safety. The neighbour who made the 999 call from the flat above saw smoke in the corridor and could hear someone shouting “Fire” and also heard an Automatic Fire Alarm.
Station Manager Dave Adamson said: “This fire was accidental and caused by candles inappropriately positioned . If you do use candles in your home, ensure they are in a secure fire resistant holder away from furniture and curtains. We would also like to remind the public of the importance of having correctly fitted working smoke alarms in your home and these should be tested regularly. Smoke alarms save lives.”
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service provides free Safe and Well visits, where a member of staff will come to your home and provide you with bespoke home safety advice, covering areas such as the use of candles, cooking, electric blankets, overloading sockets, chimneys, low energy light bulbs and much more. They even fit or replace smoke alarms, if appropriate.
To see if you qualify for a Safe & Well visit, call 0800 038 2323 or visit www.dwfire.org.uk/safety for more information and advice.