Issued: 17.12.07
At: 2:30pm
For immediate release

Former Prince’s Trust Team Member Rescued Neighbor From Fire

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service received a call at 1.15pm on Monday 10th
December to a house fire on Bendbow Rise in Braunstone, Leicester.

Crews from Western Fire and Rescue Station attended to find the fire was in the
kitchen area of the bungalow. The occupant of the property was at home when the
fire started but fortunately had working smoke alarms fitted. The sound of the smoke
alarm alerted neighbour Richard Brindley, a former Prince’s Trust Team member, to
the fire. Richard then went to his neighbour’s aide and helped him to escape safely.

Two firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the property and extinguished
the fire. The fire started after a chip pan had been left unattended. The kitchen was
severely damaged in the fire and the rest of the property suffered smoke damage.

Richard Brindley, neighbour and former Princes Trust Team member said:

‘I had to act and think very quickly and I am so glad that I was able to help my
neighbour get out of the property unharmed as things could have been a lot
worse. Completing The Prince’s Trust Team programme taught me vital fire
safety skills giving me the confidence to use them in this emergency situation.
I would definitely recommend the programme, it was a great experience for
me and not only did it enable me to achieve a nationally recognised
qualification but it also gave me the opportunity to move on with my life’.

Dean Platts, Crew Manager at Western Fire and Rescue Station, who attended the incident,
commented:

‘I have to commend Richard’s efforts in the rescue of the occupant on
Bendbow Rise, however if people do discover fire in their property, I would tell
them to get out and stay out.
My advice is to never leave cooking unattended and to take extra care around
Christmas time when we tend to spend a lot more time in the kitchen. This
incident also indicates the importance of smoke alarms as they give you extra
time needed to get out of an emergency situation alive.
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service can fit smoke alarms as part of a free
home fire safety check. We are particularly trying to target the more
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

Interviews
Richard Brindley is a former member of the Prince’s Trust Team and is available for interview
regarding his involvement in the rescue and about the Prince’s Trust Programme, please call
on the number below to arrange.

Background
The Prince’s Trust Team is a unique 12-week personal development programme. It is
designed to help young people aged 16-25 improve their skills and attitudes to be better
equipped for the world of employment.

The programme brings together a diverse mix of up to 15 young unemployed people with a
wide range of abilities, personal circumstances and backgrounds. The programme is
particularly suited to young people who face many barriers and lack the opportunities to reach
their full potential, including the long-term unemployed, offenders and ex-offenders, young
people in or leaving care and the socially excluded, who are ready to move forward in their
lives. It is a programme that aims to re-engage young people, helping them to think about
their futures.

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service are proud to deliver the programme in Leicestershire,
Leicester and Rutland as a partner of The Prince’s Trust. Call 0116 2872241 and ask for the
Prince’s Trust for more information or visit our website www.team-up.org.uk.

Home Safety Checks
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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