A WARRINGTON couple who suffered a fluke electrical fire, are urging others to fit smoke alarms in their homes.
Paul Lewis and Susan Bradshaw who are due to get married in three months, had been out for the evening and were downstairs, oblivious to the fact that a fire was taking hold in the next room.
The fire took place just before 9pm at their home in Waterworks Lane, Winwick, and is believed to have been slowly smouldering for some time. It wasn’t until the couple heard their smoke alarm sounding that they were alerted to the danger.
Susan said: “We’d been out for tea to my daughter’s and had just arrived back. We were pottering around when we heard the smoke alarm sounding. Initially we thought it was a phone then I thought I saw a whisper of smoke in the hall, but it was only a whisper.
“Following an inspection around our home Paul then opened the door to the dining room and the heat hit him. Thick black smoke started to pour out and we ran out and dialled 999.”
The fire is believed to have started with an electrical wire to an extension which had either been damaged inside or had frayed over time. Firefighters used a hose reel to extinguish the flames.
Susan added: “We are getting married in a couple of months so it couldn’t have come at a worst time. All the bits I’ve bought for the wedding, like table decorations and favours have gone in the fire, but luckily I hadn’t brought a dress home.
“Fire is basically a silent killer and since then I’ve told all my family and friends, in fact anyone I speak to, about how important smoke alarms are. If I can save one family then it’s worth it.
“The community have been brilliant and so supportive. We live in a village where everyone knows everyone and one of our elderly neighbours has even offered us a room after hearing about the fire. They have all been absolutely amazing.”
The couple aren’t letting the fire dampen plans for their wedding, which takes place in the Lake District in July.
Sean Henshaw, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service’s group manager for Warrington and Halton said: “This couple are very safety conscious and this fire was a fluke. The main thing is that they had a working smoke alarm, which Paul fitted himself, and it gave them time to get out safely.”
For more information about everything to do with smoke alarms visit the Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service website www.cheshirefire.gov.uk
Picture shows the damage caused by the fire at Winwick.
