Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Man loses life in house fire horror
Smoke alarm appeal after victim’s ‘accidental’ death
A MAN has been killed following an “accidental” house fire.
Emergency services were called to the scene in Clarawood Park, East Belfast, on Saturday shortly after 7.30pm.
Alan Walmsley, Assistant Chief Fire Officer for Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, told the Mirror: “Our crews were at the scene very quickly.
“We sent crews from Knock and Central stations to the scene who entered the property and rescued one male.
“We started medical assistance but unfortunately the man was already deceased. At this time we are treating the fire as accidental and would like to express our sympathies to the family of the deceased at this time.”
Mr Walmsley said this is the second accidental house fire death inside four weeks and has urged people to check they have a working smoke alarm fitted.
He added: “This is another tragic loss and the second accidental house fire death we have had inside four weeks. This time of year is a particularly high risk time for us and in this case there was no working smoke alarm in the property.
“We would urge everyone to please check they have a working smoke alarm, this is a very tragic case and our thoughts are with this man’s family.”
East Belfast DUP MLA Robin Newton said the fire was a tragic incident.
He added: “Whatever the cause of the tragedy it is all the more heartbreaking for the family and friends of the deceased coming at this festive time of the year. I want to extend my sympathies to those who have lost a loved one.”