Issued: 17.08.07

At: 9am

For immediate release

SMOKE ALARM SAVES MAN FROM HOUSE FIRE

Shortly before 5:30am this morning, Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service received a call to a house fire on Saffron Lane, Leicester.

Two crews from Central Fire and Rescue Station were sent to the incident to find the first floor of the property on fire. Two firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the house to successfully extinguish the fire.

A man, who was in the house at the time of the fire, was alerted to the fire by a smoke alarm and jumped from a first floor window to escape the fire. The casualty was given initial first aid at the scene by firefighters before being treated by paramedics and then conveyed to hospital by ambulance.

The room where the fire started sustained 80% damage by fire, heat and smoke. The fire is believed to have started after batteries were left on charge over night.

Richard Headley, Group Manager for Community Safety for the City area commented:-

‘It is very fortunate that this man had a smoke alarm fitted in his property.
Most people die in house fires whilst they are sleeping. Thankfully the
smoke alarm activated and woke him up; most probably saving his life. I
would encourage everyone to fit and maintain a working smoke alarm on
each floor of their property.

On this occasion the man jumped out of the window to escape the fire that
had started in the dining room downstairs. If people follow some basic
fire safety advice, they can increase their chances of being able to escape a fire
safely: -

Develop an escape plan that all people living in their home are aware of

Always close internal doors before going to bed, this will help to contain a fire
and will decrease the chances of a way out of the house being blocked.

Think of a route out of your property and any obstructions that might get in the
way. Choose a second escape route as well, in case your first choice is
blocked by the fire.

Think of a place you can use as a refuge if you can’t get out of the property,
preferably a room with a window. Make sure everyone knows where you keep the keys to the external doors

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service offers free home fire safety checks and we are keen to target those considered most vulnerable to the risk of fire such as
students, those living alone, the elderly and smokers.

Firefighters can visit people in their own home and help them develop an escape
plan as well as fit free smoke alarms. If you would like a free home fire safety check, please call 0116 287 2241.’

- ENDS -

Notes to News Desk

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service has no further details on the condition of the casualty.

Contact Information

For more information please contact

Amanda Kelly-Pike

Marketing and Publicity Co-ordinator
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service
Tel 0116 287 2241



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