Monday, 05 January 2015
Firefighters visited 80 properties highlighting safety messages following a fire at a flat in Southport.
Blue Watch and Green Watch firefighters at Southport Community Fire Station carried out the fire safety visits and completed 34 Home Fire Safety Checks.
On the day of the fire, four fire appliances were sent to tackle the fire after Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service was called at 8.04am on Thursday, January 1, 2015, to Lord Street, Southport. Firefighters had to force entry into the flat to bring a man out.
Firefighters from White Watch from Southport Community Fire Station, Crosby Community Fire Station and Formby Community Fire Station attended the call-out. Two fire appliances from Southport attended along with one from Formby and one from Crosby.
The fire was extinguished by 8.44am. The man who was rescued was conscious and breathing and was taken to Southport Hospital by ambulance.
Kevin Johnson, Home Safety Manager at Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, said: “The cause of the fire is still being investigated but at this stage it is suspected to be accidental and involved a tumble dryer.
“Firefighters have been visiting properties in the area and highlighting safety advice around the use of tumble dryers. In line with our fire safety advice, we urge people to regularly clear the filters on tumble dryers and follow manufacturer’s instructions on their use to help prevent fires occurring in the home.
“We are also urging people to have working smoke alarms on each level of their home and to test them each week. A working smoke alarm can give the vital seconds you need to escape a fire.”
The fire was contained by firefighters to the kitchen and extinguished. The tumble dryer was severely damaged by fire and there was severe smoke damage to the flat. A neighbour raised the alarm about the fire in the flat.
For free fire safety advice call 0800 7315958 or go to www.merseyfire.gov.uk . You can also request a Home Fire Safety Check by calling 0800 7315958 or by going to www.merseyfire.gov.uk
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