Menu
22/09/2008
Neighbour Alerts Derry Blaze Family
A quick-thinking neighbour has almost certainly saved a family from death or serious injury in a weekend blaze in Co Londonderry.
A family of four was last night counting their blessings as it became clear they were lucky to be alive after escaping from a house fire.
Two children, aged five and eight and their parents managed to flee the house at St Canice's Terrace in Eglington at about 7am yesterday after a chip pan went on fire.
It is understood the family, who did not have a working smoke alarm, were only alerted to the fire when a neighbour smashed a window and tried to extinguish the flames.
All four had to be taken by ambulance to Altnagelvin Hospital in Londonderry where they were treated for smoke inhalation but later discharged.
The kitchen of the property was completely gutted by fire while the rest of the house was very heavily smoke logged.
Station Commander of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, Mark Darrall, said a tragedy had been narrowly averted.
"When we arrived the four people were actually just leaving the building. They had been alerted by a neighbour who had broken a rear window and had pushed a hose through to try and extinguish the flames.
"There was no working smoke alarm in the house and Mr Darrall said, had it not been for the quick actions of the neighbour a tragedy could have occurred. The consequences could have been very different."
Mr Darrall urged people not to use chip pans and added: "Firstly we would urge people not to use chip pans at all but, if they do use one, please ensure they have a properly working smoke alarm. If anyone is any doubt about whether or not their smoke alarm works, I would urge them to contact their local fire station for advice."
(BMcC)
A family of four was last night counting their blessings as it became clear they were lucky to be alive after escaping from a house fire.
Two children, aged five and eight and their parents managed to flee the house at St Canice's Terrace in Eglington at about 7am yesterday after a chip pan went on fire.
It is understood the family, who did not have a working smoke alarm, were only alerted to the fire when a neighbour smashed a window and tried to extinguish the flames.
All four had to be taken by ambulance to Altnagelvin Hospital in Londonderry where they were treated for smoke inhalation but later discharged.
The kitchen of the property was completely gutted by fire while the rest of the house was very heavily smoke logged.
Station Commander of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, Mark Darrall, said a tragedy had been narrowly averted.
"When we arrived the four people were actually just leaving the building. They had been alerted by a neighbour who had broken a rear window and had pushed a hose through to try and extinguish the flames.
"There was no working smoke alarm in the house and Mr Darrall said, had it not been for the quick actions of the neighbour a tragedy could have occurred. The consequences could have been very different."
Mr Darrall urged people not to use chip pans and added: "Firstly we would urge people not to use chip pans at all but, if they do use one, please ensure they have a properly working smoke alarm. If anyone is any doubt about whether or not their smoke alarm works, I would urge them to contact their local fire station for advice."
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 January 2020
NIFRS Renews Smoke Alarm Plea
Home owners are being reminded of the need to have a working smoke alarm following two fatal house fires in December. The NIFRS emphasised the need to prioritise fire safety in the home after two accidental blazes occured at premises without working smoke alarms.
NIFRS Renews Smoke Alarm Plea
Home owners are being reminded of the need to have a working smoke alarm following two fatal house fires in December. The NIFRS emphasised the need to prioritise fire safety in the home after two accidental blazes occured at premises without working smoke alarms.
01 October 2024
NIFRS Launches Online Home Fire Safety Check Tool
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has introduced a new online tool to help residents assess their home fire safety. The Home Fire Safety Check coincides with Fire Safety Week, which runs from September 30th to October 6th. The initiative aims to reduce the number of house fires in Northern Ireland.
NIFRS Launches Online Home Fire Safety Check Tool
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has introduced a new online tool to help residents assess their home fire safety. The Home Fire Safety Check coincides with Fire Safety Week, which runs from September 30th to October 6th. The initiative aims to reduce the number of house fires in Northern Ireland.
17 July 2001
ASSEMBLY CREATE AWARD TO HONOUR FIRE SERVICE
THE Northern Ireland Fire Service is to receive the first ever award given by the province's devolved assembly. An illuminated scroll is to be presented to Chief Fire Officer John McClelland on Tuesday, by assembly speaker Lord Alderdice in tribute to the sacrifice made by fire fighters over the years.
ASSEMBLY CREATE AWARD TO HONOUR FIRE SERVICE
THE Northern Ireland Fire Service is to receive the first ever award given by the province's devolved assembly. An illuminated scroll is to be presented to Chief Fire Officer John McClelland on Tuesday, by assembly speaker Lord Alderdice in tribute to the sacrifice made by fire fighters over the years.
24 October 2002
Belfast City Council boosts smoke alarm campaign
A potentially lifesaving fire safety campaign received a boost from Belfast City Council today.
Belfast City Council boosts smoke alarm campaign
A potentially lifesaving fire safety campaign received a boost from Belfast City Council today.
30 January 2023
NIFRS Launch Safety Appeak Amid Rise In Fire Deaths
Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has issued a home fire safety appeal following a spike in accidental house fire deaths and incidents. Eight people have tragically lost their lives in house fires since November 2022. There has also been a 14% increase in incidents.
NIFRS Launch Safety Appeak Amid Rise In Fire Deaths
Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has issued a home fire safety appeal following a spike in accidental house fire deaths and incidents. Eight people have tragically lost their lives in house fires since November 2022. There has also been a 14% increase in incidents.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
