18th November 2008
Firefighters rescue four Thanet residents from house fires
Four people were rescued by firefighters from two separate house fires in Thanet this morning.
The first incident was at 5am at a first floor flat in Ethelbert Terrace, Westgate on Sea, when crews from Margate and Westgate were called to a kitchen alight.
Two women were rescued from the property, one of them suffering from smoke inhalation.
Westgate Crew Manager Steve Wright said: “This incident could have been much more serious, as there were no smoke alarms fitted in the flat. I would urge all residents to ensure they have smoke alarms fitted on each floor of their home, as they provide vital early warning of fire, giving you a more chance of escaping uninjured.”
The fire is being treated as accidental and is believed to have started in a microwave.
In a later incident, fire crews were called to a house fire in Royal Close, Broadstairs at just after 7.30am. An 11 year-old girl discovered a fire in the downstairs of the property and quickly alerted her mother, but they and their Staffordshire Terrier puppy were trapped in an upstairs bedroom.
While crews were on route to the scene, fire control operator Caroline Spicer talked with the woman and gave her some vital guidance. She said: “The mother and child had no means of escape due to the smoke from the blaze, so I established which room they were in and advised them to keep the door closed. I told them to place some clothing or bedding at the bottom of the door to prevent smoke from entering the room, buying them valuable time until crews arrived.”
When fire crews from Thanet and Ramsgate arrived, they immediately used a ladder to rescue the woman, child and their puppy, Missy, from the upstairs window, having been informed in advance of their location. Firefighters in breathing apparatus tackled the fire and carried out a full search of the building.
Thanet Watch Manager Paul Moore said the occupants were very lucky to get out of the fire alive, as the smoke alarms were not working in the property. He said: “I cannot emphasise enough the importance of ensuring your smoke alarms are in working order. If the fire had broken out during the night we may well have arrived to find fatalities.
“If anyone is unsure whether their smoke alarms are working I would urge them to contact Kent Fire and Rescue Service for free and we will come and carry out a free home fire safety check. We will check your alarms for you and fit new ones if required.”
This fire is believed to have been caused by an unattended candle that had been left burning overnight. Paul added: “This incident raises another vital safety message around the use of candles. They should never be left unattended and should always be extinguished before bed time.”
The property sustained severe smoke damage and the residents have had to be temporarily re-housed.
If you would like to arrange a free home fire safety check contact Kent Fire and Rescue Service for free on 0800 9237000.
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