Firefighters rescue mother and baby from window of flat fire

Derbyshire firefighters have rescued a mother and a 9-month-old baby from the first-floor window of a flat on fire.

At 23.20 hours yesterday evening (Thursday 31 October), firefighters from Kingsway, Ascot Drive and Nottingham Road Fire Stations were called to attend the fire in a flat on Burton Road in Derby.

Group Manager Lee Williams said “Fire control operators received a 999 call directly from the female occupant of the flat and despite some initial language barriers, were able to provide fire survival guidance to the mother until the arrival of fire crews.

“On arrival at the scene crews could see the mother and her baby at a second-floor window. Following a quick brief from police colleagues who were already in attendance, a fire crew wearing breathing apparatus was immediately deployed into the smoke logged property to fight and extinguish the fire. A further crew quickly pitched a 13.5-meter ladder up to the second-floor window and carefully brought the baby down to safety first, closely followed by the mother.”

A fire investigation into the cause of the fire has concluded that the most likely cause was a candle.

Group Manager Williams went onto say “Thankfully due to the swift actions of both our 999 control operators and firefighters attending this fire, I am pleased to report that thankfully following a check by EMAS colleagues on scene neither mother nor baby appeared to have suffered any smoke inhalation. Understandably they were both taken to hospital for precautionary checks.”

Fire safety advice

With the changing of the clocks last weekend, many people may be turning to candles to provide lighting during the darker nights, or simply be looking for a nice fragranced candle to give a room a nice glow.

Annually more than 15,000 candle fires are reported nationally underlining why you should take extra care if using candles,

Please follow our top tips for staying safe:

Consider using a battery-operated candle.

If using traditional candles:

Put candles out when you leave the room, and make sure they're put out completely before going to sleep.
Make sure candles are placed in a holder that is non-flammable, prevents the candle from falling over and is big enough for the size of candle you are using.
Be sure the candleholder is placed on a stable, heat-resistant surface which will prevent possible heat damage to surfaces and prevent glass containers from cracking or breaking.
Make sure candles are secured in a proper holder and away from materials that may catch fire, like curtains.
Don't burn a candle all the way down. Extinguish the flame if it comes too close to the holder or container.
Always burn candles in a well-ventilated room but away from drafts, vents and air currents which may cause rapid flame flare-ups or blow lightweight curtains or papers into the flame.
Use a snuffer or a spoon to put out candles. It's safer than blowing them out when sparks and hot wax can fly.
Keep candles out of the reach of children or pets and do not place lighted candles where they can be knocked over.
Never touch a burning candle or move a candle when the wax is liquid.

For more fire safety advice and information, and to carry out a DIY home fire safety check to keep you and your loved ones safe from the risk of a house fire, visit At home :: Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service