Property Fire Harrogate 20/02/2006

HOUSE FIRE – HARROGATE

The first two appliances were in attendance within six minutes. An additional two fire appliances were requested to assist with the incident.

On arrival crews were confronted with a severe fire in a mid terraced, two storey private property. Flames were issuing from the upstairs and downstairs windows. A lady aged approximately eighty years old was collapsed at the rear of the building. A neighbour assisted the householder to safety prior to the arrival of the Fire Service.

Fire-fighters immediately got to work dealing with the fire using hose lines. Crews wearing breathing apparatus entered the building to perform a thorough search for any further missing persons.

The householder was assisted to safety by a neighbour, who was alerted to the sound of smashing glass. The lady suffered upper body burns and severe smoke inhalation. The lady was admitted to hospital. The neighbour was treated for smoke inhalation.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. At this stage it is thought to be accidental.
The property was not fitted with smoke alarms. On this occasion, it is likely the fire would have been discovered in its early stages.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service offer a free home fire safety risk assessment service. This may include the fitting of smoke alarms. Fire safety advice is free. Any person wanting advice or information should contact –