16 October 2009

Firefighters are reminding residents about the importance of smoke alarms in the home following a dishwasher fire in Chalfont St Peter early this morning.

Crews from Gerrards Cross, Beaconsfield, Amersham and High Wycombe were called to the fire in a first-floor flat in the High Street at 12.11am.

Station Manager Paul McShane, who was at the incident, said: “The flat did not have a working smoke alarm. Fortunately the occupant woke up and was able to get out safely.

“The crews worked well to contain the fire to the kitchen area and prevented this from a being a much more serious incident.”

Using breathing apparatus firefighters tackled the blaze with a jet and a hose reel before isolating the water and electrics and helping with salvage.

Firefighters ventilated the area to clear the smoke, while paramedics from South Central Ambulance Service treated the occupant for the effects of breathing in smoke.

There was smoke damage to the property and three adjoining flats, and although one had a working smoke alarm, crews carried out Home Safety Checks on all four flats fitting smoke detectors.

All residents in the flats were evacuated.

Paul added: “A house fitted with working smoke detectors - and people reacting to them - gives us a much better chance of saving lives.”

Terry Ridgley, head of Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service's Community Safety team, said: “Nationally, 80 per cent of the population own smoke alarms, but statistics show that in one in every eight house fires attended by fire and rescue services, the smoke alarm failed to work, largely due to flat or missing batteries.”

Terry added: “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.”

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 only one smoke alarm, fit it in a place where it can be heard throughout your home - particularly when you are asleep!

• 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.

Safety tips to prevent fires in the home:

• Don’t leave the washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher running overnight or while you are out. They are a fire risk because of their high wattage, friction and motors.
  
  
• Fit smoke alarms on each level in your home. Keep them free from dust and test them once a week. Consider buying a 10-year alarm - otherwise change the batteries in your alarm every year.
  
  
• Get into the habit of closing doors at night. If you want to keep a child’s bedroom door open, close the doors to the lounge and kitchen - it may well help save their life if there is a fire.
  
  
• Make a fire action plan so that everyone in your home knows how to escape if there is a fire.
  
  
• Keep the exits from your home clear so that people can escape if there is a fire. Make sure that everyone in your home can easily find the keys for doors and windows.
  
  
• Take extra care in the kitchen – accidents while cooking account for over half of fires in homes. Never leave young children alone in the kitchen.
  
  
• Take extra care when cooking with hot oil. If you don’t already have one, consider buying a deep-fat fryer controlled by a thermostat.
  
  
• Never leave lit candles in rooms that nobody is in or in rooms where children are on their own. Make sure candles are in secure holders on a surface that doesn’t burn and are away from any materials that could burn.
  
  
• Make sure cigarettes are stubbed out properly and are disposed of carefully, and never smoke in bed.
  
  
• Don’t overload electrical sockets. Remember, one plug for one socket.
  
  
• Keep matches and lighters where children can’t see or reach them.
  
  
• Take special care when you’re tired or when you've been drinking.
  
  
• Don’t leave the TV or other electrical appliances on standby as this could cause a fire. Always switch it off and unplug when it’s not in use.