Posted: Tuesday 29 December 2020, 11:57
Firefighters are calling on residents across Derbyshire to take a minute to consider fire safety following a serious house fire on Boxing Day.
Fire crews from Nottingham Road, Kingsway and Long Eaton were called to attend the fire at a terraced property on Brighton Road in Alvaston at 22:02 hours on Saturday 26 December 2020.
Area Manager Clive Stanbrook said: “Over the last couple of days Firefighters have been in the Brighton Road area of Alvaston speaking to local residents about fire safety following a serious house fire on Boxing Day. I’d like to extend that advice to the wider Derbyshire public.
“Working smoke alarms are the most important thing in a home when considering fire safety, they give valuable early warning of a fire, giving you vital extra time to get out of your property and call 999. Next comes your escape plan – how would you get out if a fire did break out in your home? Take a minute to think about this – where are your keys? Have a mobile phone to hand, ensure all escape routes are clear of obstructions and ensure everyone in your home knows what to do in the event of a fire.”
A joint fire investigation with Derbyshire police has determined that the most likely cause of the fire was discarded smoking materials.
Area Manager Stanbrook went onto say: “Any naked flame increases the risk of a fire in the home so if you, or your partner is a smoker, please take a couple of minutes to familiarise yourself with our simple fire safety advice.”
- 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.
- Ensure you have a working smoke alarm fitted on every level of your property
- Test your smoke alarms weekly
- Ensure you have an escape plan. If a fire broke out in your home how would you get out? Get Out, Stay Out and Call 999
For more information about keeping safe in your home visit www.derbys-fire.gov.uk