Firefighters in Bath used breathing apparatus to rescue a man from inside his smoke filled flat in Odd Down yesterday evening.
Two fire crews from Bath’s Fire Station were alerted by neighbours at 6.18pm, who could hear smoke alarms sounding in the first floor property on Old Fosse Road.
Acting on information there was still someone inside the flat, firefighters in breathing apparatus immediately broke their way in through the front door to begin a search.
During the search they found a semi-conscious man in his 40s who was carried to safety by the breathing apparatus team.
He was immediately passed into the care of paramedics who began treating him for the effects of serious smoke inhalation. After receiving initial treatment at the scene he was then taken to hospital. He is expected to make a full recovery.
The smoke had been caused by a chip pan which had been left unattended on the hob. This caused a small fire within the kitchen area, causing limited damage, however it did fill the entire flat with smoke.
Avon Fire and Rescue is taking the opportunity to recommend that cooking is never left unattended on a hob.
The presence of a working smoke alarm and the actions of neighbours who called 999 were vital in preventing a much more serious incident. This allowed crews to reach the scene in time to rescue the man and bring him to safety before he inhaled a fatal amount of smoke.
Smoke alarms provide an early warning of a fire and should be installed on every level of the home. They should be checked on a weekly basis to ensure they are operating as only a working smoke alarm will save a life.
Smoke alarms are fitted free of charge as part of our Home Fire Safety Visit service. Under the scheme crews visit the homes of local people to provide advice and information about all aspects of fire safety relevant to an individual’s circumstances.
Please book your Home Fire Safety Visit by clicking here or by calling 0117 926 2061.
