Warning after log burner sparks West Sussex house fire
We're urged to keep flammable fuel in a safe place
West Sussex residents with log burners and open fireplaces are being urged to take care following a house fire in Broadbridge Heath.
A Wickhurst Lane resident was woken in the night by their smoke alarm sounding when a pile of stacked firewood next to their wood burner caught fire on Wednesday (February 17th).
Firefighters from Horsham and Billingshurst Fire Station were called to the property shortly before midnight.
They used two hose reels and a jet to extinguish what has been termed a 'substantial fire' in the ground floor lounge.
Among those called to the property was Richard Bradley, West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service's Group Manager for Fire Safety, who said the man was able to escape the building with the help of a neighbour.
He added;
“Having a working smoke alarm gives you the earliest warning that something isn’t right, giving you the greatest chance of getting out of your property safely.
"Had this resident not had a smoke alarm in their property, the outcome would likely have been very different.
“The fire was started after a large pile of stacked wood next to the wood burner downstairs caught fire.
"We would encourage people who have log burners or open fireplaces to ensure that their fuel supply is stored safely away from the fire itself so as to prevent it igniting unexpectedly.”
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service has recommended that all properties have a working smoke alarm fitted to each floor of the property, and that this is tested at least once a week.
Those who have an open fire place or log burner, are asked to ensure fuel is kept in a safe area away from the heat source until it is ready to be used.