Date: 13th February, 2022
At 12.23pm this afternoon (13 February), fire crews from Ferndown and Redhill Park were mobilised to reports of a house fire in Petwyn Close, Ferndown. Once they arrived on scene, firefighters found the fire had spread from the ground floor to the first floor of a terraced house. They requested support and at the height of the incident, 20 firefighters were on scene (Ferndown, Redhill Park, Poole and Ringwood).
Crews used four sets of breathing apparatus, two hose reel jets as well as other firefighting equipment to bring the fire under control. Unfortunately, the entire ground floor and some of the first floor has been badly damaged by fire, heat and smoke. Thankfully all residents escaped the property unharmed, but sadly a pet cat lost its life.
Station Manager Dan Perrett, who attended the incident said: “We believe the cause of this fire to have been a tumble dryer in the kitchen. Due to the lack of internal doors, the smoke, fire and heat was able to travel quickly, and the property has suffered serious damage. We believe the occupier noticed the fire before it was detected by the smoke alarm, escaped from the property and called 999. This action undoubtedly saved their lives. I would urge everyone to check they have working smoke alarms at home; these should be tested weekly.”
More information on smoke alarms, escape plans and electrical appliance safety can be found at www.dwfire.org.uk/safety-at-home