Harmer Hill family escape fire after hearing smoke alarm
A family from Harmer Hill this morning escaped a fire after hearing their smoke alarm sounding and the smell of smoke.
After discovering the fire at around 3.30am they left the property on Lower Road and called 999.
Two fire engines from Shrewsbury and an officer from Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service were mobilised within minutes.
Firefighters arrived at the scene to find smoke and flames issuing from the property. Four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus and using two hose reel jets and a covering jet entered the kitchen to find a dishwasher alight.
Once the fire was out a portable fan was used to try and ventilate the heavily smoke logged house. The fire damage was contained to the kitchen area only, but the smoke had caused damage to the rest of the house.
Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service said the incident highlighted the need for working smoke detectors.
Shropshire’s new Fire and Emergency Support Service vehicle was also mobilised to property, the service is run by British Red Cross volunteers. They were able to offer the family blankets a warm place to sit, and a hot drink.
Shropshire residents are also being warned not to leave washing machines, tumble driers or dishwashers on during the night and to close all doors to an escape route before going to bed.
