Blaze escape for young family alerted by smoke alarm

A couple and their five-year-old daughter got out unharmed and were safely outside when firefighters arrived to tackle the blaze at the property in Queensgate, Bridlington.

Two fire engines from the town arrived and four firefighters tackled the blaze, which had started in an understairs cupboard.

Mark Walster, the officer in charge of the incident said: “On arrival we encountered very high temperatures from a fire that was well established and producing large amounts of very dense smoke.

“The family had been alerted by the smoke alarm which had melted and fallen to the floor but was still sounding.

“I am certain that had the smoke alarm not sounded this would have been a much more serious incident.”

An investigation showed the fire had started because of an electrical fault close to the consumer unit near to the main electrical intake.

CE Electric were called to the property to isolate the main electrical supply.

Paul Norton, the company’s head of safety, said: “We strongly recommend that homeowners and businesses have their electrical installations checked by a qualified electrician every five years in accordance with wiring regulations.

“We would also encourage anyone with any safety concerns about their electricity meter or service cut out fuse to contact their electricity supplier immediately.”

To find out who supplies your electricity, you can log on to www.ce-electricuk.com and use the “who is my supplier?” function.

The fire had spread to an adjacent room, causing extensive damage, but another room was protected by a closed door.

Mr Walster added: “Closing doors and having an escape plan are also important factors in surviving a fire.”