Firefighters urging people not to smoke in bed after rescuing resident from fire in Leamington

Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging people not to smoke in bed after rescuing a resident from a flat fire in Leamington last night (Wednesday).

Earlier today The Courier and Kenilworth Weekly News reported that emergency services had been called to the property in Charles Gardner Road at around 6.30pm.

The fire service have now released further information about the incident.

A spokesperson from Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Our Fire Control received a call at 6.32pm from the neighbour of a resident who was trapped inside the property and was unable to get out due to having mobility issues.

"Two fire appliances from Leamington and one from Gaydon attended the incident.

"On arrival they found a fire involving a ground floor one bedroomed flat. Fire crews acted quickly to gain entry to the property, where they found the resident lying on the floor. Firefighters worked fast to get the resident to safety, passing them over to the care of the ambulance service once outside.

"It is believed that the fire started on the bed and was caused by smoking materials. Luckily the resident had smoke detectors, which activated to give them the early warning needed.

"It also alerted their neighbour who immediately called 999."

Following the fire, the fire service is urging people not to smoke in bed.

Talking about the incident, Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Services Incident Commander, Kevin Matthews said: “This was a critical incident with a vulnerable resident trapped inside the property.

"In these circumstances our crews must act quickly knowing that every minute counts.

"On this occasion the resident was very lucky to escape unharmed. This is down to the smoke alarms activating, alerting the residents neighbour, who then called 999.

“Had this fire started while the resident was asleep, we could have been talking about a very different outcome.

"If you know of someone who may be vulnerable, then please ensure that you sign them up to our free Safe and Well check, where our crews can assess any potential fire safety issues, provide advice on having a fire escape plan and where necessary fit working smoke alarms.

“Despite the current pandemic situation, we are still taking referrals and where a high risk is identified, our crews will see what assistance can be provided. So please don’t delay a referral because of Covid19.”

Since attending the incident, crews from Leamington have been dropping leaflets to residents in neighbouring properties to help them stay fire safe and remind them of the importance of having working smoke alarms fitted in their home.

For more information on fire safety in the home or to make a Safe and Well referral, go to: https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/firesafety