Smoke alarm warning as huge fire destroys home
FIREFIGHTERS have issued a powerful reminder after a huge blaze destroyed a home in Southville on Sunday evening.
Avon Fire Service has released a video showing a fire alarm still working in the home following the severe fire as a way of reminding residents to make sure they are fitted and in working order.
The blaze - believed to be an electrical fire - had broken out in one of the bedrooms and the flames had grown to be six feet tall, according to a resident.
The video, taken by firefighters, showed the smoke alarms still working in a severely smokedamaged part of the building.
They tweeted: “This video shows the importance of working smoke alarms.
“Even after a severe fire last night, this one is still working. It alerted the occupants to the fire allowing them to evacuate safely.”
A fire service spokesperson said: “The house was fitted with smoke alarms which activated at the time of the fire.
“This meant that everybody was able to vacate the property.
“Avon Fire Service would like to remind everyone to ensure that they have working smoke alarms within their property.”
The fire was extinguished at about 7.45pm and the fire service has also issued photos from inside the property which reflect the devastating impact of the blaze.
The images show almost indistinguishable household objects lying about in the charred rubble, while all the walls and the ceiling have been blackened by the smoke. Alongside the photos, Temple Fire Station tweeted: “Six pumps and the turntable ladder used. A total of six breathing apparatus, three hose reels, three 45mm jets and positive pressure attack to extinguish this severe fire in a three-storey terraced premise in Southvill. All residents evacuated safely and no injuries & road reopened [sic].”
Avon Fire and Rescue Service engines from Bedminster, Temple, Kingswood, Southmead and Avonmouth fire stations con- verged on Coronation Road at about 6.30pm.
Officers from Avon and Somerset Police closed the road while the fire service battled to bring the flames under control.
One of the occupants - who asked not to be named - said he and his brother had attempted to tackle the fire themselves.
A spokersperson for Avon Fire and Rescue said: “We were called to Coronation Road at 6pm. On arrival, crews were met with a fully-developed, severe fire in a three-storey terraced property.
“They quickly requested six engines and one turntable ladder.
“Crews fought the fire using eight breathing apparatus, three high-pressure hose reels, two 45mm jets and the turntable ladder. Through the hard work of the crews in difficult circumstances, they were able to contain the fire within the original property and prevent any spread to the neighbouring terraced dwellings.”
The cause of the fire is currently unknown, with investigations set to continue yesterday. You can book a home fire safety visit at www.avonfire.gov.uk