Couple saved by home safety visit

The fire crew soon discovered that all of the building's residents had successfully and safely evacuated the building as a result of the advice given at a recent visit from East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service.

On checking the property, Watch Manager John Owen found the flat to be smoke logged throughout the kitchen, hall and dining room as a result of a faulty tumble dryer.

After the fire had been dealt with, it was discovered that the two occupants had been in the front room and were unaware that a fire had started in the kitchen.

The early warning signal given by the smoke alarms, which had been fitted by the Bexhill firefighters just a few weeks before, allowed residents to make their safe escape from the flats.

The smoke alarms had been fitted free of charge during a Home Safety Visit by firefighters from Bexhill's Red Watch.

In addition to the provision of smoke alarms, the residents of the flats received safety advice from Red Watch. This led them to safely evacuate the premises before dialing 999, after the smoke alarms sounded.

John Owen said: "Had the fire occurred before the Home Safety Visit we could have experienced a very different outcome. I would like to congratulate Bexhill's Red Watch for organising and carrying out the visit."

East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service would like to stress the importance of having the correct smoke alarms fitted and to have safety measures prepared in the event of a fire. Remember - Get Out, Stay Out and Call 999!

If you would like to arrange a free Home Safety Visit, please call 0800 177 7069 or visit www.esfrs.org