17 November 2008
Firefighters are urging people to check they have smoke alarms every level of their home following a kitchen fire this morning.
Crews and appliances from Winslow and Buckingham were called to a fire in Vicarage Road, Winslow, at 7.02am. The fire started in the kitchen following an electrical fault.
Crew Manager Mark Illing, who was at the incident, said: "Although there was a smoke alarm in the house it was on the first floor and didn’t sound until the smoke had already filled the ground floor. Fortunately, the homeowner was in the house when the fire started and could smell the smoke, so was able to make the 999 call herself.
"A house fitted with working smoke detectors - and people reacting to them - gives us a much better chance of saving lives."
Firefighters were able to contain the fire to the kitchen using one hose reel and two sets of breathing apparatus. There was slight smoke damage to the rest of the house.
The crews will be returning to complete a full safety check tomorrow.
Terry Ridgley, head of Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service's Community Safety team, said: "When fires break out, which is often during the night, smoke alarms provide a vital early warning sign - indeed, they are often your ONLY warning.
"It is important to have working smoke alarms fitted on every level of your home."
Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service will carry out a free safety check of your home and fit free smoke detectors where necessary.
Smoke alarms detect fires at their earliest stages and give a loud warning to help you and your family to get out safely.
Ring 01296 744477, send an email to cs@bucksfire.gov.uk or use the online form to book an appointment.
Advice if you are fitting your own smoke alarms:
- Fit one smoke detector to each floor at least 30 centimetres (12 inches) away from any wall or light fitting at ceiling level.
- Make sure your detector has the British Standard Kitemark on it.
- If you have a one-year smoke detector, test the battery once a week and change the battery annually. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service recommends 10-year tamper-free detectors fitted with push buttons. These are available from all DIY stores.