Issued: 01.07.07

At: 11:30am

For immediate release

KITCHEN FIRE- MELTON MOWBRAY

At approximately 3:30am this morning, Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service received a call to a house fire on Thorpe Road, Melton Mowbray.

Crews from Melton Fire and Rescue Station arrived to find smoke issuing out of the front door and the kitchen area of the property was well alight. Four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the property to quickly extinguish the fire using a high pressure hose reel jet.

It was believed that the cause of the fire was a hob on the cooker being left in the on position. The kitchen was damaged severely by fire, smoke and heat. The rest of the property was badly damaged by smoke.

This property did have smoke alarms fitted however the batteries had been removed. Fire crews fitted new alarms ensuring that the property was left in a safe condition.

Richard Hall, District Manager for the Melton Mowbray area, said:
‘I strongly urge everyone to fit and maintain at least one smoke alarm on each floor of their property. Never remove the batteries from your smoke alarms and make sure that you check they work on a regular basis. Smoke alarms cost as little a five pounds and they really do save lives. By spending a little bit more, you can purchase a 10 year smoke alarm with a sealed battery unit therefore the batteries cannot be removed.

Home fire safety checks can help you to establish potential risks in the home, we are particularly trying to target vulnerable groups in the community. For more information about home fire safety checks please call 0116 287 2241.’

The fire in this incident occurred in a rented property. Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service along with Melton Borough Council, are attempting to establish local partnerships with estate agents in an attempt to ensure smoke alarms are fitted in all of rented accommodation within the borough of Melton Mowbray.

- ENDS -

Notes to News Desk

Home safety checks involve crews visiting people at home and offering advice on all aspects on fire safety in the home from electrical safety, the safe disposal of smoking materials, through to the fitting and maintenance of smoke alarms and the developing of a plan to get out in the event of a fire.

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