Westbury: Smoke Alarm Saves Lives In House Fire

2 January 2014, 14:22 | Updated: 2 January 2014, 14:26

Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service is urging local people to make a New Year’s resolution to have working smoke alarms in their homes.

It follows an incident at a house in Marlborough Court, Westbury on New Year’s Day – fire crews from Westbury and Trowbridge were called to the property at 7.38am and found a substantial fire within the roof space, which was caused by an electrical fault within the bathroom’s ceiling lights.

The occupants had been woken by the smoke alarm sounding and were able to escape the house uninjured. Westbury’s Station Manager, Jack Nicholson, said:

“This incident has proved that working smoke alarms can make a real difference, and they have the potential to save lives. Smoke alarms are inexpensive and can be bought in DIY stores and at many supermarkets. They should be fitted on every level of your home in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions provided. Most importantly, they should be tested regularly.”

For longer term protection and peace of mind, it’s a good idea to fit 10 year smoke alarms.

The Fire & Rescue Service’s advice is:

·        Once a week - test the alarm by pressing the button.

·        Once a year - change the battery (unless it's a 10-year alarm).

·        Twice a year - vacuum and wipe the smoke alarm casing to ensure dust isn’t blocking the sensor chamber.

·        Whatever happens - never remove the battery to use it for other purposes. 

SM Nicholson added:

“You’re more than four times as likely to survive a fire if you have a working smoke alarm. They can give you and your family the necessary warning to get out in the early stages of a fire, which should in turn allow us to get to you more quickly.”

Some households will qualify for a free home fire safety check from Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service. To find out more, call 0800 389 7849 or visit www.wiltsfire.gov.uk