5 October 2010

A working smoke alarm alerted a family to a fire at their home in Milton Keynes early this morning.

Crews from Great Holm and Bletchley were called to the two-storey semi-detached house in Fossey Close, Shenley Brook End, at 2.19am.

Station Manager Dave Norris, who also attended the incident, said: “The family were woken by their smoke alarm going off in the middle of the night and went downstairs to find a fire in the kitchen.

“They were able to leave the house safely, call 999 and wait outside. When crews arrived a few minutes later the flames were coming out of the kitchen window and going up the side of the house. They did extremely well to prevent it from taking hold of the whole house.”

Two firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the house and brought the fire under control. There is severe damage to the ground floor and extensive smoke and heat damage to the first floor.

“Dave added: “It’s very said that their home has been so badly damaged, but the smoke alarm did its job and gave them enough time to leave the house safely.

“Bearing in mind the time of night, it could easily have been have been a far more serious incident if the fire had developed even for just a few more minutes before being discovered.

“The risk of suffering from smoke inhalation, serious injury or worse increases if you are not aware of a fire at the earliest stages.

“This is yet another example of vital role played by smoke alarms in helping reduce the number of deaths and injuries caused by fire.

“If there is anyone out there who still doesn’t have smoke alarms, please contact us now so that we can book you in for a free home safety check.

“We will give you lots of helpful advice and fit free smoke alarms in your home.”

Dave praised the volunteers from the British Red Cross Fire and Emergency Support Service, who were quickly on the scene to provide practical help to the family. Their support vehicle is based at Bletchley Fire Station.

Firefighters left the scene at about 4am and returned at 6.30pm to carry out a reinspection.

If you would like to book a home free safety check, with free smoke alarms fitted where needed, ring 01296 744477, email cs@bucksfire.gov.uk or visit www.bucksfire.gov.uk/bucksfire/free

Please remember to check that your smoke alarms are working by pushing the test button every week.