PR 6753
18 January 2008

Smoke alarm fitted by fire and rescue service helps save woman

A smoke alarm fitted by firefighters in Norfolk has helped save a woman after fire broke out at her home.

Six months ago a fire crews from King's Lynn fitted smoke alarms at the home of an elderly woman in the King George V Avenue area of the town. Firefighters fitted the alarms after carrying out a fire risk assessment on the woman's home.

At 3.40pm yesterday (Thursday 17) the same crew was called to reports of a fire at the address after a passer-by heard a smoke alarm sounding. Firefighters found the house filled with smoke after fire had broken out in the kitchen. The woman and her two dogs were quickly found and lead to safety.

Watch Manager Paul Edwards, from Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Whenever we carry out Home Fire Risk Assessments on people's homes or fit smoke alarms there is always a point to what we are doing. Quite simply it is about helping save people's lives and it is very satisfying when a smoke alarm we have fitted does exactly what we hope it will.

The fact this passer-by heard the alarm and called 999 so quickly not only raise the alarm but bought valuable time. There is little doubt in my mind that a combination of this person's quick thinking and the smoke alarm helped save this woman's life.

Our message about smoke alarms really is very simple - they save lives."

For further information about getting a free smoke alarm fitted, Home Fire Risk Assessments or general fire safety use these links or the search facility on this site..

Alternatively call the fire and rescue service on Freephone 0800 9178137 so we can help keep you, your family and your home stay safe.