A pensioner owes his life to a smoke alarm installed at his property in Niton, Isle of Wight, ‘The Gazette’ can reveal.
Two officers, 24 firefighters and four pumping appliances from Newport, Ventnor, Shanklin and Sandown, supported by the Command and Control Unit, averted tragedy at the Rectory Lane property.
Duty officer, Station manager Mark Deacon for Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service praised the swift attendance, which was critical in gaining control of the serious blaze.
The pensioner, in his 70s, is believed to have jumped out of a window in the property before the arrival of fire crews.
He was treated for smoke inhalation at the scene by a Rapid Response Paramedics from the Isle of Wight Ambulance service, and was taken to St Mary’s Hospital for further treatment.
The elderly pensioner raised the alarm shortly before 11pm this evening (Monday January 24).
Six firefighters wearing breathing apparatus, using three hose reels, fought to gain control of the furious blaze that has destroyed 80% of the property.
Mr Deacon highlighted the importance of smoke alarms being fitted in properties - “had working smoke alarms not been at the property, we could have been looking at a totally different situation”.
Mr Deacon went on to say that: “Crews would remain at the incident cheking for hot spots and damping down for a number of hours”.
Check Your Smoke Alarm
Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service offer the fitting of ten-year smoke alarms for any household on the Island. This service is free and can be arranged by contacting the Community Fire Safety Department on 01983 533834 or by visiting their website, http://www.iwfire.org/
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