Fire crews and staff from Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service (MFRS) will be providing reassurance and advice to residents in Tranmere following the tragic death of a man in a flat fire this week.
Firefighters were called to the incident at a sheltered accommodation complex in Grenville Way on Wednesday 11th September.
Crews were alerted at 2.48pm and on scene at 2.53pm, arriving within five minutes. Sadly, the crews discovered the body of a man in a flat on the second floor.
Firefighters worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of the complex’s remaining residents, many of who were elderly and had mobility issues. No one else was injured in the incident.
Group Manager Mark Thomas said: “On arrival, our crews made an immediate entry into the property. They quickly made their way to the second floor of the property where we had been informed the fire had started. It is here that they located the occupant of the flat. He was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased at this difficult time.”
An initial investigation has indicated that the fire was accidental and may have been caused by a a discarded cigarette.
GM Thomas added: “Firefighters and staff from MFRS will be visiting the surrounding area over the coming days to offer advice and reassurance to local residents following the incident. This will focus on the importance of having a working smoke alarm and the dangers that can arise from smoking in the home.”
These simple steps can help prevent cigarette and e-cigarette fires in the home:
- Never smoke in bed. Take care when you’re tired – it’s very easy to fall asleep while your cigarette is still burning and it could easily set furniture alight.
- Never smoke when under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If your lit cigarette starts a fire you could be less able to escape.
- Put it Out, Right Out! Make sure your cigarette is fully extinguished.
- Never leave lit cigarettes, cigars or pipes unattended – they can easily overbalance as they burn down.
- Use a proper, heavy ashtray that can’t tip over easily and is made of a material that won’t burn. Never use a wastepaper basket to dispose of a cigarette butt.
- Keep matches out of children’s reach.
- Never leave e-cigarettes on charge unattended for long periods of time.
- Do not mix components of different e-cigarettes.
- Only use the charger supplied with your device.
- Ensure you purchase your e-cigarette and charger from a reputable source and check the e-cigarette carries CE certification.
- Fit a smoke alarm and test it weekly. A working smoke alarm can buy you valuable time to get out, stay out and call 999.
If you are over 65 and would like to receive a free Home Fire Safety Check, please call 0800 731 5958.