21st July 2008
Smoke alarms save the day in Sevenoaks
A smoke alarm proved its worth for a family in Oak Hill Road, Sevenoaks, when it alerted them to a fire in their home early on Wednesday morning.
At around 3.30 am David Ashwanden was woken by the loud beeping sound coming from a smoke alarm in the downstairs of the property and he immediately alerted his parents and grandparents.
His father, James Ashwanden, quickly discovered that a refrigerator in the downstairs kitchen had caught fire and he managed to tackle the blaze himself with a nearby fire extinguisher before it took hold.
Mr Ashwanden said: “It is not the kind of wake-up call that you want to receive but one that you are very glad to get. It could have been so much worse.”
Kent Fire and Rescue Service was also called to the scene and crews from Sevenoaks used thermal imaging equipment to ensure the fire was completely out, damping down and cutting away any smouldering debris from the fire.
Sevenoaks Watch Manager Danny Barrett Said: “This incident clearly demonstrates the value of having working smoke alarms in your property. Without them, especially with the household asleep upstairs, the fire could have remained undetected for a lot longer and we would certainly have faced a far more serious incident, with extensive fire and smoke damage and potentially loss of life.”
However, he warned: “While the occupant was fortunate in putting the fire out on this occasion, we would never recommend that residents try to tackle a blaze themselves, as you are putting yourself at serious risk of injury from burns and/or smoke inhalation. As soon as you are alerted to a fire, the advice is to get out, stay out and call the fire service out.”
It is believed the fire was caused by an electrical fault in the refrigerator.
As is routine after such incidents, fire crews will be visiting the local area to offer fire safety advice including free home fire safety checks. The free checks take about 30 minutes to carry out and firefighters will visit your home to identify potential fire hazards and fit if required free 10-year smoke alarms. They will give home fire safety advice and help you make an escape plan should fire break out in your home.
To arrange a free Home Fire Safety Check or to find out more call Kent Fire and Rescue Service for free on 0800 923 7000 or visit their website www.kent.fire-uk.org.
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