Wiring believed as cause of fire in which Cromford woman died
A joint police and fire investigation has taken place
Last updated 16th Jan 2023
A 91-year-old woman died in the blaze at the property in Cromford in the early hours of Saturday 14th January.
Police were alerted to the incident on Willersley Lane by Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service at around 3.20am.
Willersley Lane was closed between Lea Road and Starkholmes Road for some time.
A joint police and fire investigation into the cause has found that there weren’t any smoke alarms fitted in the semi-detached house.
Fire Investigator, Station Manager Rob Leverton said: “Neighbours called 999 and alerted emergency services to the fire when they woke in the early hours of Saturday morning, coughing due to smoke coming into their bedroom from next door. Emergency 999 fire control operators were able to advise the neighbours to evacuate their house, to wait for the arrival of fire crews and not to attempt to enter the neighbouring property.”
The fire investigation determined that the most likely cause of the accidental fire is attributed to the electrical wiring within the property.
Willersley Lane has now reopened.
Firefighters will be visiting properties in Willersley Lane this week to speak to residents about fire safety in the home, check they have working smoke alarms and offer reassurance.
The Service would like to remind people of the importance of having smoke alarms fitted in the home.