Warning issued as fire almost costs Rugby family their lives
Not having a battery in their smoke alarm almost cost a Rugby family their lives on Tuesday morning (29th January).
Fire crews from Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to the house in Bucknill Crescent, Hillmorton, at around 7.20am to find a serious fire, which had originated in a first floor bedroom. The cause of the fire is currently being investigated.
Thanks to the quick thinking of the family’s neighbours, who rescued two young children and their mother from a first floor window using a ladder, no one was seriously injured - but all occupants of the house were taken to University Hospital in Coventry suffering from smoke inhalation.
Two fire engines, equipped with jets and hose reels, and fire fighters using breathing apparatus were needed to tackle the blaze.
On inspection of the house, which has been severely damaged by the fire, crews from Rugby Fire Station found that a smoke alarm was present – but there was no battery in it.
Andy Morgan, Watch Manager at Rugby Fire Station, said: “The lack of a working smoke alarm in the property could have ended in a far worse outcome for this family.
"We would urge people, once again, to firstly make sure they have adequate smoke alarms fitted in their homes but also to regularly check they are working and have batteries installed.
“We believe the actions of their neighbours probably saved the lives of this mother and her two children. There is severe fire damage to the first floor of the house and smoke and water damage to the ground floor, making it uninhabitable.”
For information and advice on fitting smoke alarms in your home, visit the Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service website at http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/fireandrescue or the National Community Fire Safety Centre Website at http://www.firekills.gov.uk.
You may be eligible for a free Home Fire Safety Check by Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service – you can complete a safety check request form online. If you don’t have Internet access, you can also contact the Fire Safety Helpline on 01926 466282.