5 January 2009

Are you about to go into your loft to pack away the Christmas decorations? Then have a look around while you’re up there to see if you can have a bit of a clear-out.

That’s the advice from firefighters following a loft fire last night in Whaddon. Crews from Bletchley, Great Holm and Aylesbury were called to a house in Ladymead Close at 10.23pm.

Watch Manager Bob Stilton from Bletchley Fire Station said: “We believe the fire could have been burning for up to an hour before the occupants became aware of it, and it was on the point of breaking through the roof."

He added: “Many of the things people store in lofts are flammable and can provide a ready source of fuel in the event of a fire.

“This incident serves as a timely reminder to people to try to reduce the amount of material stored in their roof space.”

Bob said it was particularly important to keep stored items as far away as possible from electrical wiring.

Firefighters used four sets of breathing apparatus and one hose reel to put out the fire.

If you would like Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service to carry out a free fire safety check in your home, pointing out potential fire risks and giving advice on how to reduce or prevent them, ring 01296 744477, email cs@bucksfire.gov.uk or fill in the online form