Neighbours praised for their actions after hearing smoke alarm
Firefighters are highlighting the importance of having smoke alarms after we were called to a kitchen fire by neighbours who heard smoke alarms going off.
Crews were called to a flat fire in High Barrets, Basildon at 5.15pm on Wednesday.
The neighbours heard smoke alarms going off and called 999 when they could see smoke coming out of the property.
When firefighters arrived they found a chip pan on the hob which had caught fire, causing the whole flat to fill with smoke.
Crews administered first aid to a resident who suffered smoke inhalation.
Crew Manager Kris Mortimer said: “The resident had put some food on the hob but had left it unattended and fell asleep. Luckily the neighbours heard the smoke alarm going off and called us. It shows how important it is to have working smoke alarms at home. They don’t just alert you to a fire, they can also alert neighbours and passers-by.
“I’d like to urge people not to cook if you are feeling tired. If it had been any longer the situation could have been much worse. We’d like to praise the neighbours for their swift actions in calling us after they heard the smoke alarm.”
The resident was left in the care of the Ambulance Service.
Cooking safety
More than half of accidental fires in the home are started by cooking - it can be incredibly dangerous if you don't take precautions:
- Take care if you need to leave the kitchen whilst cooking, take pans off the heat
- Don't cook if you are tired, taking medication that makes your drowsy or have been drinking alcohol
- Keep tea towels and cloths away from the cooker and hob
- Double check the cooker is off when you’ve finished cooking
Do you have a smoke alarm?
Smoke alarms save lives. They can alert your family as well as your neighbours and passers-by to a fire in your home if you're not home.
We recommend you have at least one working smoke alarm on every level of your home and that you test them at least once a month.
If you or someone you know doesn’t have working smoke alarms, please get in touch.
