Posted: Wednesday 23 December 2020, 11:13
A gentleman in his 80’s has been taken to hospital following an accidental house fire on Hilcote Street in South Normanton.
Firefighters were called to attend the property at 19:21 hours on Tuesday 22 December 2020 following a call from a neighbour who could hear the smoke alarm sounding and see smoke outside.
Fire crews rescued the elderly gentleman and handed him into the care of the ambulance service so he could be taken to hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation.
Group Manager Nathan Stevens who was the Officer in charge at the scene and also carried out the fire investigation said: “Sadly this is another devastating accidental house fire causing extensive damage to a property and involving an older member of our community, only days before Christmas.
“Yesterday we appealed to members of the public to take a minute to check in on elderly relatives, neighbours and friends to talk to them about fire safety and check that they have working smoke alarms and know what to do in the event of a fire. So once again, I’d like to echo that plea and ask people to take a few minutes to pick up the phone, or call in on someone and talk to them about staying safe from the risks of fire.
“Thankfully on this occasion a neighbour heard the smoke alarm sounding and was able to raise the alarm and call 999 so fire crews could attend and rescue the gentleman.”
The fire investigation has concluded that the most probable cause of the fire was accidental due to smoking materials.
Two crews from Alfreton attended the incident along with a crew from Ashfield in Nottinghamshire. An air ambulance, land ambulance and police were also in attendance.
Firefighters are out in the local area today speaking to residents about fire safety.
Fire Safety: Smoking
Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service would like to remind people of the following safety advice to reduce the risk of a fire
- Never smoke in bed.
- Use a proper ashtray - never a wastepaper basket.
- Make sure your ashtray can't tip over and is made of a material that won't burn.
- Don't leave a lit cigarette, cigar or pipe lying around. They can easily fall over and start a fire.
- Take extra care if you smoke when you're tired, taking prescription drugs, or if you've been drinking. You might fall asleep and set your sofa or bed on fire.
- Keep matches and lighters out of children's reach.
- Consider buying child resistant lighters and match boxes.
- Stub cigarettes out properly and dispose of them carefully. Put them out. Right out!