WOMAN RESCUED BY FIREFIGHTERS FROM HOME BLAZE
AWOMAN with second degree burns was rescued by firefighters following a blaze at a house in Cardiff. It is believed a member of South Wales Fire and Rescue Service control staff stayed on the line to a woman who was trapped in the house in Llanishen and provided “lifesaving” guidance after fire crews were called to the property in Garwen Close at 3.33am yesterday.
Jennie Griffiths, head of fire control for the service, said: “A smoke alarm actuating and lifesaving guidance provided by one of my control staff directly contributed to saving a casualty in Cardiff.
“Control remained on the line to the casualty even as she was carried by firefighters to safety from the house fire in Llanishen.”
She added: “The casualty followed control staff advice to stay safe until rescued by fire crews and taken to hospital.”
Five fire crews were called to the scene and battled flames for more than three hours before it was extinguished at 6.54am.
The woman who had to be rescued by the fire brigade was taken to hospital to receive treatment to second degree burns to the palm of her hand.
A second person was also taken to hospital with minor injuries. Both are described as stable.
Fire investigators were at the scene of the fire yesterday to determine the cause. The fire service said it believed it started in the attic.
Neighbour Wendy Minns said: “There were three or four engines on the scene with lights flashing. This was in the early hours of the morning. We woke up about 3am.”
Val Alford said: “We were woken at about 3.30am by flashing lights and the sounds of sirens. It looked a big fire. It went on until around 7am. We just hope everybody is OK.”
The role of a control fire control operator is described by the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service as playing an “active part” in bringing incidents to a successful conclusion through the use of “specialised call handling techniques”.
They added: “Fire control operators must also be ready to pass lifesaving advice to callers trapped in burning buildings who may be frightened and panicked.”
What does the role of a fire investigator involve? Find out on page 29