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Home » News & Events » 2011 » November » Statement Following Smoke Alarm Newspaper Report

Statement Following Smoke Alarm Newspaper Report

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The extremely rare incidents both involved Fire Angel ST620 smoke alarms which had been taken off the ceiling and stored elsewhere after the low battery warning had sounded. Fire Angel and the local fire services involved are investigating the cause of the two incidents.


There have not been any incidents in which a smoke alarm fitted by H&WFRS has caused a fire.

Station Commander Grant Wills said: "We are aware of the incident reported in a national newspaper today but I'd like to reassure people that a smoke alarm is still the best line of defence against a fire and is something which every home should have. "Just this morning I visited a woman who had experienced a fire in her home and thanks to her working smoke alarm she managed to get out of the property before the arrival of the firefighters. She is sure that the smoke alarm saved her life. "Smoke alarms provide a vital early warning at the first sign of fire and gives everyone in a house time to get out quickly."

Station Commander Wills confirmed that there have been no incidents of faulty smoke alarms in Herefordshire or Worcestershire and that there is no evidence to suggest that anyone with one of these alarms has any cause for concern. "We would like to reassure everyone who has one of these alarms in their home that they should not worry and leave the alarm where it is," he said.

If anyone has a Fire Angel ST620 smoke alarm in their home which is giving the low battery signal – a regular chirping sound – they should call the Fire Angel Technical Support line on 0800 141 2561.

Fire Angel and the local fire services involved are investigating the two incidents.