17 November 2008

A couple and their young child were able to escape from a fire in the middle of the night - thanks to a working smoke alarm.

Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service was called to the fire in a first-floor flat in Harcourt Green, Aylesbury, at 1.43am on Saturday. An electric fire had set a mattress alight.

One of the first firefighters at the scene, Crew Manager John Roads from Aylesbury Fire Station, said: "The smoke alarm alerted them straight away and enabled them to dial 999 before the fire was able to take hold.

"A few minutes can make all the difference. There is little doubt that the working smoke alarm prevented this from turning into a far more serious incident."

Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service carries out free home safety checks and fits free smoke alarms where necessary. Ring 01296 744477, email cs@bucksfire.gov.uk or fill in the online form to book an appointment.