South Cambs Couple Had 'Lucky' Escape Following Fire

16 January 2015, 11:44 | Updated: 16 January 2015, 11:53

South Cambridgeshire couple are 'lucky' to be alive, following a fire at their house, this morning.

One crew from Linton and one crew from Cambridge were called to a house fire in Old House Road, Balsham.

Smoke was issuing from the loft conversion of a semi-detached house. A third fire engine from Haverhill was requested.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus located a fire in the loft conversion and extinguished it by 8.56am using hose reels and jets.

Positive pressure ventilation fans were used to clear smoke from the property.

Firefighters then cut away to ensure the fire was out and check for hotspots.

A fire investigation has determined the cause of the fire to be accidental.

Station Commander Pete Jones said: "The fire had started in the loft bedroom of this property, which was unoccupied and it is believed it was burning for a few hours before the residents called 999.

"The top floor of the property is quite badly smoke damaged and the fire has burned a hole into the first floor bedroom.

"The couple who live in the house both got out unharmed.

"This property did have three smoke alarms - one on each floor - however, none of these were working, which is why the residents were not alerted to the fire until they began to smell smoke.

"Luckily, these residents did get out of their house alive and well, but we would like to take this opportunity to remind people to make sure you have a working smoke alarm on each floor of your home and to test it regularly. Never take the batteries out and always replace it every 10 years."