Risk news

Fire fighters in the south-east have highlighted the importance of working smoke alarms after an elderly man was alerted to a smouldering fire in his bin.

The man of Sandgate, near Folkestone, is thought to have emptied the contents of an ashtray into a bin without properly extinguishing the contents, explained Michael Scott-Smith, Folkestone crew manager for Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS).

But thanks to the resident's smoke alarm, he was alerted to the fire and pressed his Careline button, which resulted in two engines being sent to his home.

He was treated for smoke inhalation by paramedics at the scene, before being taken for further medical checks.

Mr Scott-Smith said the kitchen was "severely smoke logged", but noted that the man had a smoke alarm which had previously been fitted by KFRS.

"This gave him early warning so he was able to alert the emergency services," he said.

Homes which contain a smoker are almost 35 per cent more likely to suffer a fire incident than residences which are free of cigarettes.

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