An investigation into the cause of a devastating house fire in Linden Grove, Sandiacre has concluded the most likely cause to be accidental due to an unattended electrical cooking appliance.
Fire crews from Long Eaton, Ilkeston, Ascot Drive and Nottinghamshire’s Stapleford Station were called to the Linden Grove, Sandiacre property at 08:19 pm on Tuesday, 19 December.
Whilst firefighters were en route, fire control operators could provide life-saving fire survival guidance to those inside the property who could not escape.
Upon arrival, firefighters were met with a well-developed fire which had started on the ground floor and broken through into the upstairs of the house.
Crews rescued a man and woman, along with two dogs, from a first-floor window using a ladder.
Fire Investigator, Station Manager Barclay Masterson said: “This incident is a great example of how our teams work together to bring incidents to a safe and successful conclusion.
“Our Fire Control operators were able to provide fire survival guidance and guide the occupants to a safe position, where they were visible and could await the arrival of fire crews.
“Firefighters were quick in their response and rescued the occupiers from a window, before entering the property to tackle the fire.
“I have no doubt that had it not been for their combined actions, the outcome of this incident could have been much more devastating.”
Both occupants were handed into the care of paramedics and taken to hospital for precautionary checks due to smoke inhalation.
Station Manager Masterson went on to say: “On this occasion, the property had one working smoke alarm which was positioned on the first floor. Despite its presence, the smoke alarm did not detect the fire due to the distance from the fire.
“Luckily, one of the occupiers was able to smell the smoke from their bedroom. The smoke alarm did activate, but only after the 999 call was made.
“This highlights the importance of smoke alarms and why I would encourage everyone to have at least one working smoke alarm fitted on every level of their property and to ensure that they are positioned in a suitable location to provide an early warning of a fire.”
