Firefighters Race to Gosport Flat Blaze
Fire crews from Gosport and Fareham scrambled to tackle a property fire in Somerset Court, Gosport, just before 2am this Thursday (27 April).
Tumble Dryer Sparks Early Morning Inferno
The fire broke out in the lounge of a ground-floor two-bedroom flat, believed to have started because of an electrical fault in a tumble dryer. Three fire engines were dispatched moments before 2am to battle the flames.
Luckily, the family inside—a mother and her three children—were woken by their smoke alarm and escaped without injury. “The youngest, a five-month-old baby, was checked by paramedics and given a clean bill of health,” said watch manager Rob Dellow.
Smoke Fills Stairwell, Residents Told to Stay Put
The stairwell quickly filled with heavy smoke, forcing firefighters to instruct other residents in the three-storey block to remain inside their flats for safety.
Firefighters Issue Crucial Safety Warning
“This fire was caused by a tumble dryer fault while the family were asleep,” said Mr Dellow. “The appliance was too badly damaged to confirm if poor maintenance played a part.”
“We urge everyone to clean the fluff filter after each use and never leave tumble dryers or washing machines running overnight.”
“A working smoke alarm saved this family’s lives. It’s vital everyone has one that works in their home.”
The flat was declared uninhabitable, with the fire service arranging emergency accommodation for the family.
Key Takeaways
- Never leave tumble dryers or washing machines running while you sleep.
- Clean the fluff filter after every use to reduce fire risk.
- Make sure smoke alarms are installed and maintained.
- If smoke fills common areas, stay inside your flat and await instructions.
