Smoke alarm saves family from Wiltshire blaze
Crews tackle e-cigarette charger fire which 'could have been far worse'
Last updated 31st Dec 2021
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is reminding you about the importance of having working smoke alarms at home.
It's after a serious kitchen fire yesterday morning (Thurs 30 Dec 2021).
At around 4.30am fire crews from Pewsey and Devizes were called to a blaze in a mid-terraced property at All Cannings, near Devizes.
It's believed a battery charger for an e-cigarette sparked the fire.
Fortunately, the house was fitted with working smoke alarms, which activated and alerted the occupiers to the fire, allowing them to get out safely.
The smoke alarm saved their lives.
Station Manager Richard Humphrey said:
“Without working smoke alarms, this incident could have been far worse. Thankfully, the occupants received an early warning to the fire, and they were able to get out of the house.
“E-cigarettes are sold with either single-use batteries or lithium-ion rechargeable batteries. These batteries can fail whilst on charge, sometimes with explosive force. Our advice for e-cigarettes is the same as for many smaller electrical appliances such as mobile phones and laptops – don’t be tempted to buy cheap unbranded chargers, don’t leave them to charge whilst you are out of the house or asleep, and keep them well away from flammable materials.”
More information on charging portable devices safely is on the DWFRS website here.
Anyone concerned that they may not have sufficient smoke or carbon monoxide detection in their home can ask Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service for a free Safe & Well check – to find out more, call 0800 038 2323.