Issued: 10.12.07
At: 11:45am
For immediate release

Smoke Alarm Alerts Occupant To Fire

 

At 6:30am on Saturday 8th December, Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service
received a call to a flat fire on Charles Street in Leicester.

Crews from Central and Eastern Fire and Rescue Stations attended to find the fire
was in the kitchen area of a sixth floor flat.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the building and dry powder was
used to help extinguish the fire.

The occupant of the flat was alerted to the fire by a smoke alarm and therefore was
able to escape the flat. The occupant was then given first aid at the scene, by
firefighters for minor burns. The kitchen and lounge areas of the property were
damaged by smoke. The fire was started after a pan was left unattended on the
cooker.

Des Stone, Central Fire and Rescue Station Manager, said:
‘The occupant of this property had returned from a night out, started to cook
and then fell asleep, this is an example of what NOT to do. We would like to
urge people, especially at this festive time of year when many people attend
Christmas parties, to follow a few simple safety tips to help avoid these
dangers and to have a safe and happy Christmas.

• Don’t leave cooking unattended
• Never cook whilst drinking alcohol
• Make sure that you have working smoke alarms in your home
• Never remove batteries from your alarms for other uses such as toys
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service can fit smoke detectors at the same
time as a Home Fire Safety Check, we are particularly trying to target
vulnerable groups within the community.
If you would like to find out more about Home Fire Safety Checks then please
call 0116 287 2241 to ask for a visit.’

- 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.
Contact Information
For more information please contact:
Corporate Communications
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service
Tel 0116 287 2241

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