News from MCM - Article 108

Smoke Alarm Importance Highlighted by House Fire in Wales

The life-saving abilities of smoke alarms have been recently highlighted after an incident in north Wales, where a woman and two young girls survived a blaze after being alerted by their device.

North Wales Fire and Rescue has revealed that the woman, her young daughter and niece were able to get out of the property in Pwllheli unharmed.

The blaze caused 100 per cent fire damage to the lounge and 100 per cent smoke damage to the rest of the house.

Simon Talbot, fire safety enforcement officer for North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said this incident showed how smoke alarms can save lives.

He stated that the occupants did exactly what should be done in the event of a fire - get out, stay out and telephone the fire brigade.

Smoke alarms act as an early warning signal and can prevent smoke inhalation. Indeed, toxic smoke can quickly kill.

As well as installing smoke alarms, people also need to regularly check them to ensure they are working. Mr Talbot said smoke alarms can "mean the difference between life and death".

Fire safety guidance for domestic properties is offered by Aviva Risk Management Solutions (ARMS), which states that the main causes of accidental fire is the misuse of appliances and equipment which are mostly related to cooking.

Electric blankets, candles and chimney fires are also common causes of property blazes.

"Their primary purpose is to save lives. However, the advantage of this early detection means that there is a better chance to reduce the property damage because of the early attendance of firefighters."

March 2010