28 May 2008

SMOKE ALARMS SAVE LIVES

On 22nd May 2008, East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service Mobilising and Communication Centre received an emergency call stating that there was a fire in a domestic property in Colwood Crescent, Eastbourne.

The first call came in at 00:32 and firefighters from Eastbourne community fire station were dispatched to the scene. On arrival four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the property to undertake a search and rescue operation, whilst firefighters tackled the blaze from the ground using hosereel jets.

The fire had started in the first floor bedroom and had been caused by tea lights that the occupant had lit and left on the bed before falling asleep. The smoke alarm on the first floor of the building alerted the resident to the fire in its early stages and subsequently she was able to get out of the property.

This is yet another incident that provides a powerful reminder of how vital it is to have working smoke alarms in your property to safeguard yourself and your loved ones. On this occasion the smoke alarm on the first floor was instrumental in saving a young mothers life. The smoke alarm on the ground floor of the property was not functioning.

Had the smoke alarm on the first floor also been rendered useless, the consequences of this incident could have been far worse.

Smoke alarms save lives. They should be tested weekly and the batteries should never be removed.

East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service can offer free smoke alarms and fire safety advice to residents and businesses in East Sussex and the City of Brighton & Hove.

For further information contact the Community Safety Team on 0800 1777 069.