Smoke alarm alerts resident to flat fire
22 February 2013
The benefits of having a working smoke alarm
were once again highlighted following a fire in a Gravesend flat
this morning.
Two appliances were called to Rose Street shortly after 1am in
response to a resident reporting a fire in his living room. Crews
wearing breathing apparatus quickly put out the blaze using a hose
reel jet and vented smoke from the property.
The fire is believed to have started when smoking materials were
accidently knocked over causing the carpet and sofa to smoulder
before catching alight. Thankfully the flat was fitted with a
working smoke alarm which woke the resident who was then able to
get out of his home and call the emergency services.
Due to the quick actions of the occupier and crews, the fire was
prevented from spreading any further throughout the flat. The
resident was given oxygen at the scene after suffering from smoke
inhalation and was taken to hospital for a precautionary check.
Thames-Side Crew Manager, John Allwright, said: “This incident
shows just how important it is to fit and maintain working smoke
alarms in your home. Without the alarm activating, the fire could
have remained undetected not only causing more damage but also
putting the victims’ life at risk.
I would also urge people who do smoke in the home to ensure that
cigarettes and cigars are fully stubbed out before being
discarded.”
For further advice on how to keep you, your family or a
neighbour safe from fire call Kent Fire and Rescue Service for free
on 0800 923 7000 or go to www.3breaths.info for further
information.