Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service (MFRS) crews were called to a serious house fire at Sandringham Drive, St Helens on the morning of Monday 15th April. Sadly, we can confirm that the resident of the property has died.
MFRS crews were alerted at 09.51 and on scene at 09.56, with an initial two fire engines attending. At the height of the incident six fire engines were in attendance and one aerial appliance. On arrival at the two-storey semi-detached property, fire crews found the first floor involved in fire as well as within the roof space.
Four firefighters immediately entered the property wearing breathing apparatus and used hose reel jets to extinguish the fire whilst also searching for occupants.
North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) also attended and one casualty was brought out of the property by firefighters into the care of Paramedics for onward transport to hospital.
A total of six firefighters in breathing apparatus were committed to this incident using three hose reel jets to fight the fire in both the property where the fire originated and a neighbouring property which showed signs of smoke issuing from the roof and the fire was rapidly extinguished.
Tragically, the occupant was declared deceased at hospital.
A joint investigation between MFRS and Merseyside Police has revealed that the fire was accidental.
Area Manager Mark Thomas said:
“This is a devastating incident, and our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of the person involved. I would like also to commend the efforts of our fire control staff and our fire crews who acted quickly to retrieve the casualty and North West Ambulance Service colleagues who made every effort to provide emergency resuscitation for the casualty.
The investigation initially indicates that the fire started in a bedroom and was likely caused accidentally by smoker’s materials. We would advise anyone who does smoke to do so carefully, ensure cigarettes are properly extinguished in a heavy ashtray and please never smoke in bed or when sleepy. If possible, smoke outside or try to give up smoking altogether.
Smoke alarms had alerted people nearby who did exactly the right thing by calling 999 - please ensure you have working smoke alarms on every level of your home and check them regularly. If you hear a smoke alarm sounding, dial 999, every second can make a difference.”
Firefighters and MFRS prevention staff will visit the local area to provide vital fire safety advice and complete free home fire safety checks as part of a reassurance campaign in the coming days.
ENDS
NOTES:
For free fire safety advice or to request a home fire safety check, call 0800 731 5958.
Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service also provides free smoke alarms for Merseyside residents aged 65 or over or those referred by partner agencies.