Warning over fire dangers at night

A man had to be rescued from his bedroom today after a fire involving a gas cooker broke out in his home.

A neighbour called the fire service after hearing the smoke alarm. The incident happened at 12.54am in Worcester Road, Shrewsbury.

The fire service today issued a warning about the dangers of cooking food at night when tired or under the influence of alcohol.

A spokeswoman said: “Firefighters were first alerted to a strong smell of burning and a smoke detector activating in the Worcester Road area of Harlescott.

“Firefighters had to gain entry to a property via a first floor window as no-one could be raised at the address.

“One male adult was discovered asleep and was led to safety. The fire involved food on a grill pan which had been left unattended.

“The fire was out on arrival of the fire service but had caused damage.

“Shropshire Fire and Rescue would like to emphasise the dangers of cooking food late at night whilst tired or under the influence of alcohol, and to the importance of having working smoke detectors.

“In this instance, the smoke alarms alerted a neighbour to the incident who called out the fire service which in turn prevented a much more serious event occurring.”

For free smoke detectors and a home safety survey, contact the fire service on (01743) 260298.