Date: 30th December, 2021
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is reminding the public about the importance of working smoke alarms after a serious kitchen fire this morning (30 December 2021).
Fire crews from Devizes and Pewsey were called to a mid-terraced property in All Cannings, near Devizes, at approx. 4.30am. Two breathing apparatus wearers used two covering jets and a hose reel jet to extinguish the fire, which caused severe damage to the kitchen.
The cause of the fire is believed to be a battery charger for an e-cigarette. Fortunately, the house was fitted with working smoke alarms, which activated and alerted the occupiers to the fire, allowing them to evacuate safely.
Station Manager Richard Humphrey said: “Without working smoke alarms, this incident could have been far worse. Thankfully, the occupants received an early warning to the fire, and they were able to get out of the house.”
He added: “E-cigarettes are sold with either single-use batteries or lithium-ion rechargeable batteries. These batteries can fail whilst on charge, sometimes with explosive force. Our advice for e-cigarettes is the same as for many smaller electrical appliances such as mobile phones and laptops – don’t be tempted to buy cheap unbranded chargers, don’t leave them to charge whilst you are out of the house or asleep, and keep them well away from flammable materials.”
More information on charging portable devices safely can be found on the DWFRS website – www.dwfire.org.uk/electrical-safety
Anyone concerned that they may not have sufficient smoke or carbon monoxide detection in their home can ask Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service for a free Safe & Well check – to find out more, call 0800 038 2323 or visit www.dwfire.org.uk/safe-and-well-visits