Chichester Blaze Sparks Safety Warning from Firefighters
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is sounding the alarm after a fire ripped through a flat in Chichester on 5 January. Fire crews were called to Baxendale Road at 8pm where an electric blanket overheated on a blow-up bed, setting nearby items alight.
Quick Thinking Contained the Fire
Thanks to the flat’s occupant closing the bedroom door after the smoke alarm went off, firefighters managed to contain the blaze to just one room. Station Manager Anton Mezzone praised their quick response, saying:
“The occupiers of this property perfectly followed every bit of safety advice we recommend in the event of a fire: firstly, they had working smoke alarms, they then closed the doors and swiftly left the property. By following this advice, the damage caused by this fire was kept to a minimum.”
Close Doors and Stay Safe
Mezzone stressed the crucial safety tip of always closing internal doors at night or when leaving the house. This simple step can slow the spread of fire and toxic smoke by up to 20 minutes, giving occupants vital extra time to escape.
Watch Out for Heating Hazards
The incident also serves as a stark reminder to keep heating appliances away from flammable materials. While electric blankets don’t have flames, they can still overheat and spark a fire if not used carefully.
Fire crews urge everyone to be vigilant and follow safety advice to protect their homes and families from fire risks.
