IFSECInsider-Logo-Square-23

Author Bio ▼

IFSEC Insider, formerly IFSEC Global, is the leading online community and news platform for security and fire safety professionals.
December 19, 2010

Nothing found. Please check your show/episode id.

Download

State of Physical Access Trend Report 2024

Residents rescued from flats as fire blocked escape route

Firefighters rescued eight people from the third floor of a block of flats on 7 December after smoke from a fire blocked their escape route.

Crews were called to the fire in Flackwell Heath, Buckinghamshire, just before midnight.

Firefighters used 13.5-metre and 10.5-metre ladders to rescue the residents from their balconies.

Watch manager, Andy Ward from High Wycombe fire station, said: "The fire started in the mains fuse box in one of the flats and burnt away the front door, filling the corridor with smoke.

"The couple in the flat were able to get out, but the smoke then cut off the escape route for the people in the other three flats on that floor.”

Firefighters rescued a couple with a baby girl from one of the flats, a woman from another and a couple with two girls from the other.

A total of 10 people – four women, three men and three girls, were seen by paramedics and five treated for the effects of breathing in smoke.

Firefighters used a hose reel, six sets of breathing apparatus and a fan to clear the smoke. A thermal imaging camera was also used.

They remained at the scene until around 2.30am to dampen down hotspots.
 

2023 Fire Safety eBook – Grab your free copy!

Download the Fire Safety in 2023 eBook, keeping you up to date with the biggest news and prosecution stories from around the industry. Chapters include important updates such as the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 and an overview of the new British Standard for the digital management of fire safety information.

Plus, we explore the growing risks of lithium-ion battery fires and hear from experts in disability evacuation and social housing.

FireSafetyeBook-CoverPage-23
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments