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Home » News & Events » 2011 » May » Woman rescued from flat fire

Woman rescued from flat fire

The woman was asleep as the fire started but neighbours heard the smoke alarm activate at the Winslow Close flat and alerted the Fire Service.


Two fire engines from Redditch were dispatched and were quickly at the scene. Two firefighters in breathing apparatus went into the flat, where they led the woman to safety from a ground floor bedroom and then extinguished the fire in the kitchen using one hose reel jet. Firefighters then used positive pressure ventilation equipment to clear the smoke from the building while ambulance staff treated the woman with oxygen therapy for the effects of smoke inhalation.

The fire is believed to have started after food was left cooking in the oven.

Crew Commander Paul Roberts from Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) explained: "Thankfully neighbours heard the smoke alarm activate and called the emergency services, and their actions, along with the working smoke alarm, certainly prevented any serious injury or further damage to the property."

He urged people never to leave cooking unattended and to check all cooking appliances are turned off before going out or heading to bed.

H&WFRS was in Winyates last weekend calling at homes in the area to highlight home fire safety, as part of a community action day with other local agencies. Over 50 Home Fire Safety Check referrals were set up during the four-day campaign, and HWFRS is encouraging other residents interested in receiving fire safety advice specific to their household to call 0800 032 1155 to request a visit themselves or for a neighbour or family member they feel might benefit.