Alarm leads to woman’s rescue from smoke-filled home

Details

Tuesday, 03 June 2014 20:32

Treeleaze, Yate

Firefighters in breathing apparatus have helped a woman to safety from her smoke-filled home.

Crews were alerted after an automatic alarm system activated in the house. Two fire engines from Yate Fire Station were called and on arrival firefighters could immediately see smoke coming from the property.

Two firefighters in breathing apparatus made their way inside, and during a search found the 49-year-old woman. She was conscious and breathing, so was immediately helped outside into the fresh air. She was provided first aid at the scene by paramedics, but did not need to go to hospital.

The smoke is thought to have been caused by a plastic kettle which was placed on an electric hob. The heat caused the plastic to melt, filling the house with acrid smoke. Fortunately the automatic alarm system alerted the fire and rescue service, so crews were able to prevent more serious injury.

Just a couple of breaths of smoke in a house fire is enough to render an adult unconscious and eventually prove fatal. Smoke alarms provide vital early warning and should be installed on every storey of the home.

Click here for more advice on smoke alarms or our Home Fire Safety Visit service.