Cigarette sparks Sandbach house fire
FIREFIGHTERS have warned smokers to ensure cigarettes are stubbed out properly following a blaze at a Sandbach house.
Belinda Ryan
Four fire engines were sent to the detached property on Newfield Street which was well alight when they arrived at 10pm on Wednesday.
Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus, used two hose reels and covering jets to fight the blaze and ambulance crews dealt with a man who was suffering from chest pains.
Sandbach-based crew manager Rob Davenport, who was the officer in charge of the incident, said: "When we arrived we found that there was a fire in a first floor bedroom of the house. This had spread through the floor and was taking hold of the ground floor.
"The two occupants were already out of the property so four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the building via a doorway and worked their way upstairs to fight the fire from inside by using water hose reels."
It is believed the fire was started by smoking materials that had not been properly extinguished.
Mr Davenport added: "I would urge anyone who smokes to please make sure that they properly stub out cigarettes before throwing them away to avoid this sort of serious and potentially devastating fire. I would also stress the importance of having a working smoke alarm – it could save your life."
One of Mr Davenport's main concerns was for the welfare of the people involved in the incident so he requested the attendance of the British Red Cross Support Unit to offer support and essential supplies.
Based at Birchwood Fire Station, the unit is a free service which is delivered by trained British Red Cross volunteers that work in co-operation with Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.
It is staffed by volunteers and is equipped to provide practical help in the form of food and clothing, but the volunteers also offer assistance in dealing with statutory bodies and offer emotional support to victims of fire.