Smoke Alarms Save Family of Three

A mother and her two children are safe after smoke alarms alerted the woman to a fire in her home at approximately 7.50am this morning. 

Crews from Burslem, Sandyford and Hanley arrived at Houldsworth Drive in Fegg Hayes to find the woman and her two five year old boys waiting outside.  

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the property and used one hose reel jet to extinguish the fire which was contained within a first floor bedroom, whilst the family received checks from paramedics outside.  Station Manager, David Agu said: “On arrival we heard the smoke alarms operating inside the property and the woman said she had been alerted to the fire by them sounding and had called us immediately.  

“The fire has damaged the curtains and bed in the children’s bedrooms and it appears to have been started by the children playing with a cigarette lighter they had found.  

“We would like to remind parents to ensure they inform their children about the dangers of playing with fire and that they ensure all smoking materials, such as lighters or matches, are kept out of sight and reach of children. 

“It is important to repeat safety messages regarding fire to children on a regular basis as they may not realise how quickly a fire can start or understand the danger they are putting themselves and their family in. 

“Thankfully, the woman had working smoke alarms and so was alerted to the fire quickly before it could spread and was able to safely leave the property with her children before they came to any serious harm.” 

The woman and her two children were taken to hospital for precautionary checks and the incident was closed at 8.45am.  

To book a free Home Fire Risk Check contact: 0800 0241 999.  

You can also book online at http://www.staffordshirefire.gov.uk/1399.asp

For all other non emergency enquiries contact: 08451 22 11 55

or log onto: www.staffordshirefire.gov.uk or www.direct.gov.uk/firekills.

In an emergency dial 999.