'Lucky Escape' For Family After Fire

A Wimborne family have had a 'lucky escape' after a fire broke out in their home.

At approximately 6.45pm on Tuesday 12th June 2012, Dorset Fire and Rescue was called to a property fire in Fairfield Road,.

Two crews from Wimborne initially attended this incident, but requested support and a further two crews from Poole were also mobilised.

The fire was in the first floor bedroom of the house and was extinguished using eight sets of breathing apparatus, four hose reel jets and one main line.

Station Manager Andy Fox, who attended this incident said:

 "This family had a lucky escape from the fire in their property, but they had planned their escape route and had working smoke alarms. The fire was discovered as the smoke alarm activated and the teenage daughter was able to notify the rest of the family giving them the vital time to escape unhurt from their home and call 999.

"This was a severe fire but it proves that making an escape plan, practising it and having working smoke alarms does save lives. Luckily the family pets also escaped unhurt from this incident, Yarna the dog and two cats Teddy and Pebbles."

The Red Cross Fire and Emergency Support Service (FESS) vehicle also attended this incident. This service is delivered by specially trained Red Cross volunteers and provides practical help, advice and comfort to those affected in the aftermath of a domestic fire or similar incident. FESS works by providing a purpose built facility (in the form of a specially adapted vehicle) with food, toiletries, clothing, access to a telephone and help with looking after children and pets. FESS volunteers provide emotional support, information and advice on finding temporary accommodation, and also assist with producing an inventory of lost or damaged items.