New fire technology stops blaze spreading

CUTTING edge technology stopped an inferno which destroyed several cars from spreading to nearby homes in Coventry.

Fire crews believe lives may have been saved in the suspected arson attack by using video software which showed the seriousness of the blaze before they arrived at the scene.

When crews arrived on Hampton Close, Foleshill in the early hours three cars were engulfed in flames, but if it wasn’t for the latest technology, it could have been a lot worse. Two fire engines were sent to the scene to tackle the blaze which started from one car and spread to two others and a fence near homes on Hampton Close.

The technology, called 999eye is software developed by West Midlands Fire Service that enables the caller to video what is happening at the scene for the call handler to see it.

The 999eye helped firefighters from Foleshill gauge how big the fire was, and ultimately stop it from spreading to houses.

A spokesman for Foleshill fire station said: “We responded to reports of a fire around 1am in Hampton Close.

“The one car fire spread to two more cars and a fence.

“When we got there it was well alight.

“We sent two appliances overall, but it was only due to the 999eye technology that it didn’t spread.

“On the way to the fire, we realised how big it was by the caller sending the video through, so we sent another engine.

“Through this technology, it enabled us to react more efficiently.

“It stopped the fire from spreading further.”

West Midlands Police were called by the fire service but had no further comment to make, only that enquiries are ongoing