Man Dies In Sunderland House Fire

10 December 2014, 17:31 | Updated: 10 December 2014, 17:36

A man's died in a fire at a flat in Sunderland during a 24 hour walkout by firefighters.

A man who died in a house fire during the night has been named as Kevin Gray, 35, of Northcote Avenue in Sunderland.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service were called to an address on Northcote Avenue in Hendon, Sunderland, following a call from an adult male trapped in an upstairs flat and several calls by neighbours.

It happened while firefighters were on a 24 hour strike.

Police officers at the scene assisted the man from upstairs and he was taken to hospital for precautionary checks.

On arrival, fire crews found the ground floor flat was fully ablaze with a large amount of smoke issuing from the property.

The officer in charge directed crews to use hose reels and breathing apparatus to tackle the blaze and they fought their way into the property.

Another male, named as Kevin Gray, 35, was discovered and confirmed dead at the scene.

Northumbria Police have said the fire is not suspicious and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
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Updated 10/12/2014

Just before midnight, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service were called to Northcote Avenue in the Hendon area of Sunderland following a call from a man trapped in an upstairs flat and several calls by neighbours.

The man had been alerted to the fire by his smoke alarm going off.

A member of Control staff remained on the phone with the adult male giving fire survival advice while Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service sent three fire engines to the property.

On arrival, crews found the ground floor flat was fully ablaze with a large amount of smoke issuing from the property.

It was not known at this point whether anyone remained inside.

The officer in charge directed crews to use hose reels and breathing apparatus to tackle the blaze and they fought their way into the property.

The man was discovered and confirmed dead at the scene.

(Image: Google Maps)


Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and Northumbria Police are carrying out an investigation into the cause of the fire.

Chief Fire Officer Tom Capeling, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said:
"Our thoughts and sympathies go out to this gentleman's family and friends at this very sad time.

I would like to encourage people to take extra care. I cannot emphasise enough to everyone the importance of having working smoke alarms.

Every household should have one on every level and they should be checked regularly.

They give you the vital minutes you need to get out safely."