Couple saved by smoke alarm as they slept
AN elderly couple had a narrow escape after a fridge freezer sparked a major fire in their home.
Emergency services were called to the couple’s home on Dolafon in Benllech, Anglesey, at 1.35am on Monday after a blaze took hold in their utility room.
Items which had fallen down the back of the fridge freezer caught fire due to the heat coming from the appliance. Smoke alarms, fitted by the fire service, alerted the sleeping couple and they were able to escape from the house unharmed.
Dave Greene, from North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: “This incident highlights the importance of working smoke alarms
- if the alarm had not roused them, the consequences could have been fatal.
“Also, the fact that the couple closed the internal door to the utility room helped to reduce fire spread in the property, restricting severe fire damage to the utility room only.
“As part of a night time routine, we encourage residents to close all internal doors before going to bed.”
He added: “The fire involved the upright fridge freezer in the utility room, with heat from the back of the appliance igniting items which had fallen behind.
“It’s important to keep electrical appliances clear of combustibles and other items that restrict their natural cooling methods, leading to overheating and ignition.
“Our advice is to be as prepared as possible in the event of fire, by ensuring that working smoke alarms are fitted in your home and that you have clear escape routes to enable you and your family to exit your home as quickly as possible.
“This incident is a clear example of how smoke alarms can save lives - and I would appeal to all residents to ensure their smoke alarms and those of family members are working by testing them weekly.”
Crews from Benllech and Llangefni attended and used one hose reel to put the fire out.
The couple were checked over by staff from the Welsh Ambulance Service at the scene but were confirmed to be unhurt.