Elderly Lady Dies As A Result Of A House Fire
09/01/12
At 11.27 hours on Sunday 8 January 2012, Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service were called to a house fire on Castleton Road, Hope, Derbyshire.
Fire engines from Bradwell, Hathersage and Chapel-en-le-Frith, attended the house fire after a call from passers-by and the police, and worked until 17:02 hours to make the house safe.
Police Officers passing the house saw smoke coming from the property so stopped and rescued a 69 year old disabled female who was taken to hospital, but later died from her injuries.
Initial investigations indicate the fire was accidental in nature and was smoking related. Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service would like to express our sympathy to family and friends of the victim.
Fire crews will be working in the local community and Officers will be located at Evelyn Medical Centre, Hope from 10:00 hours to provide reassurance and promote key fire safety messages.
Group Manager, Steve Helps from Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service would like to remind people of the importance of having a working smoke alarm fitted on each floor of their home and that they are tested weekly. It is also critical to have a planned escape route that has been discussed with all occupants of your home, and practiced.
Mr Helps said 'Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service is currently backing a campaign to ensure that all new homes are fitted with a sprinkler system in addition to smoke alarms. Whilst a working smoke alarm gives essential early warning of a fire, having a sprinkler system installed will actually fight the fire and will help to reduce the spread.'
People are reminded to:
- Always make sure cigarettes are put out completely
- Always use a deep ashtray
- Ensure smoke alarms are installed on each floor of a property and working
- Have a planned escape plan in the event of a fire.
For more information visit www.derbys-fire.gov.uk or contact your local fire station.
You can download a copy of this press release below.
All documents are provided in pdf format, you will require a pdf reader such as Adobe Reader to view the files, Adobe Reader can be downloaded here.
Note To Editors
Further information is available from Group Manager, Steve Helps on 01332 771221 Extension: 7902.
