Lucky escape from blaze

COUPLE HAD NO SMOKE ALARMS IN THEIR HOME

A HAYES couple were lucky to escape alive when they woke up to find part of their house engulfed by flames and smoke.

The pair only stirred after the heat and smell of the blaze reached their room and it was later discovered that there were no fire alarms installed in the property.

Up to 35 firefighters were called to Stormount Drive at 11.30pm on Monday August 13 and spent an hour and-a-half battling the flames.

The incident has prompted London Fire Brigade to issue a fresh appeal for smoke alarms to be installed in all properties and everyone to regularly check they are working.

Four fire engines from Hayes, Heathrow and Hillingdon attended the fire on Monday night.

Half of the first floor and all of the roof were damaged by the blaze which is believed to have started in a bedroom.

An image taken by crew at the scene shows the top part of the property completely burnt out.

A man and woman escaped outside before the blaze took hold of the house and they were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation by London Ambulance Service paramedics.

“There were no smoke alarms in the house and the occupants had a lucky escape as they woke up to discover a fire in the bedroom otherwise this could have had a very different outcome,” said Hayes watch manager Paul Dicker who attended the scene.

“The residents did the right thing in getting out quickly after discovering the fire.”

The cause of the fire is under investigation however the incident has prompted LFB to urge everyone to make sure their homes are kitted out with adequate smoke alarms.

“Homes need multiple smoke alarms or you won’t be properly covered,” Mr Dicker continued.

“Ideal spots for smoke alarms include rooms where you leave electrical equipment running like satellite boxes, computers or heaters – any room where you smoke, and anywhere you charge your mobile or laptop.

“As a minimum you should have smoke alarms on every floor – in the hallways and the rooms you use the most, plus a heat alarm in the kitchen and the bathroom – they should be tested regularly.”

Speaking on camera, group manager for community safety, Mark Hazelton added: “There’s no doubt about it, smoke alarms save lives but to do the job properly, they have to be fitted in the right rooms.

“To be really effective make sure the alarms are linked together so they all go off if there is a fire.”