16 January 2012 - Fire and Rescue Service detector alerts occupants to candle fire in Edinburgh
A smoke detector fitted by Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service averted a more serious blaze by alerting occupants to a fire in their first floor flat on Saturday afternoon. (14th January).
Three fire engines and a height appliance attended the incident on Admiralty Street in Edinburgh after receiving the call at 4.45pm. The fire had started after a bag of rubbish was set alight by a candle left unattended at the side of the bath.
The fire was extinguished before the arrival of firefighters; however, the occupants were suffering from smoke inhalation. A 17-year-old male was taken to hospital by ambulance and a 23-year-old female declined hospital treatment.
A spokeswoman from Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service said: “The occupants were alerted to the fire by a smoke detector fitted by Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service, which afforded them the vital early warning before the fire got out of control. Candles are something we often warn householders to exercise caution with, as it’s so common to become complacent and a fire can begin all too easily and will spread frighteningly fast. We would strongly advise residents not to try and extinguish a fire themselves, but get out, stay out and call the Fire and Rescue Service out.
“This smoke detector potentially saved these people’s lives, and we urge people to protect themselves and their homes by fitting a detector and testing it once a week. The Service offers free home safety visits where firefighters will come and fit a smoke detector and batteries for free. Call 0800 169 0320 to arrange your free home safety visit.”
Enquiries: Aileen Beaton, Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service, Tel: 0131 228 2401
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