Sunday 13th May 2012



Derbyshire fire and Rescue Service has this morning confirmed that the fire at Mitchell Way, New Whittington is not being treated as suspicious.

They have also said that the fire was so severe that, on arrival at the incident on Friday night, they feared fatalities.

A spokeswoman for the service said that, "Fire crews from Staveley and Chesterfield were called to the incident on Mitchell Way on Friday night at 23:30 and successfully rescued an adult and two children from their burning home. The fire is not being treated as suspicious. On arrival, crews found a well developed fire at the rear of the property and a smoke logged house.

"Fire-fighters wearing breathing apparatus began to fight the fire and search the house for occupants. Fearing the worst due to the density of toxic smoke, they found the family huddled together on the floor of the bathroom under a wet blanket and with the door firmly shut."

Gary Platts, Station Manager at Chesterfield said that, "There were three factors which have prevented this from being an absolute tragedy, when we arrived, there was the sound of a smoke alarm which had alerted the mother and given her valuable seconds to act. She was able to grab her mobile phone and run upstairs to grab her children whilst dialling the all important 999. I cannot praise highly enough the advice given to the lady over the phone by our control room operator.

"As the fire was so intense, the family were unable to make their own escape and they were advised to shut themselves in a room and get as low down on the floor as possible under a wet blanket, this would prove vital in keeping toxic fumes out.

"If it were not for this advice, I am sure this morning we would be facing the news of the tragic loss of life, but I can report a successful rescue. Mum and children were taken from the scene to [Chesterfield Royal] hospital by East Midlands Ambulance Service who provided invaluable support at the incident."

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service say that they cannot stress highly enough the importance of smoke alarms and have issued the following advice:

• You are twice as likely to die in a house fire if you do not have a working smoke alarm
  
  
• Fit one on every level of your home
  
  
• Test it regularly and never leave it without batteries
  
  
• Turn off electrical appliances wherever possible before going to bed -unless they are designed to be left on
  
  
• Have an escape plan that everyone in the house knows and make sure that everyone in the house knows where the keys are

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