Elderly couple helped to safety during fire at Cheselbourne home
They were given safety advice by 999 call handlers until crews arrived
An elderly couple have been helped to safety by firefighters, after a blaze in their Cheselbourne home.
Crews from Dorchester and Blandford were called out this morning (Thursday 11th January).
An electrical fire broke out on the ground floor, with the occupants stuck in a first floor bedroom, and given guidance from 999 call handlers to stay safe until help arrived.
That advice included blocking the gap under the door with a blanket to stop smoke coming in, and holding wet towels over their faces to protect them from smoke inhalation.
Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus then went in and gave the couple fire escape hoods to wear so they could be brought out.
The hoods are issued across the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Service area, to protect the wearer while they're evacuated.
Station Manager Paul Webber said:
“Despite what must have been a terrifying experience, this couple did everything they were told to by our Control room. This kept them safe until they could be rescued. Fire escape hoods have only been in use for a few years, but they were a vital part of bringing these people to safety.”
Advice from DWFRS
The incident's prompted the fire service to remind us to plan what we'd do if there was a fire in our home. www.dwfire.org.uk/safety-at-home
They've suggested:
- Have a bedtime routine, making sure internal doors are closed throughout the property.
- Make sure you always have a phone available on whatever level of the home you are. If mobile phone signal isn’t very good, have an alternative way of raising the alarm, such as a landline.
- If it’s safe to do so, get out, stay out and call 999.
- If it’s not safe to do leave, get everyone into a room away from the fire, ideally with a window that can open. Close the door, and put something across the bottom to keep smoke out.
- Have smoke alarms fitted on every level of the home and test them regularly.