Date: 28th November, 2017
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is reminding people of the importance of having working smoke alarms, following a fire in Trowbridge at the weekend.
Three crews – from Trowbridge (two) and Melksham – were called to a detached house on Victoria Road at 1.05am on 26 November and found a well-established fire in the ground floor lounge.
The occupant, a man in his 40s, was rescued from a first floor bedroom by firefighters using a ladder. He was taken to hospital by South Western Ambulance Service as he was suffering from smoke inhalation.
The fire is believed to have started accidentally, although the exact cause remains under investigation.
Station Manager Damien Bence said: “This gentleman was extremely lucky to have woken up, as there were no working smoke alarms in the property to alert him to the danger. Smoke inhalation is the main cause of fire deaths, so it is vital that you get the earliest possible warning of fire should the worst happen.”
The following top tips should always be followed to help you stay safe in the event of a fire:
- Close all internal doors at night to stop any fire from spreading.
- Make sure you have a phone in your bedroom, in case you can’t get downstairs to raise the alarm.
- If you have a fire in your home – get out, stay out, call 999.
- If you can’t get out, get everyone into one room, ideally one with a window. Close the door and put cushions, towels or bedding along the bottom to prevent smoke from getting through. Open the window for fresh air and to attract the attention of firefighters when they arrive.
- Have working smoke alarms on every level of your home and test them regularly.
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service offers free Safe & Well visits – to see whether you qualify, visit www.dwfire.org.uk/safe-and-well-visits or call 0800 038 2323.