West Midlanders are being urged to make sure their smoke alarms are working following the death of a man at his Birmingham home.
David William Short, from Holloway Head, died following a chip pan fire in a flat in June last year, after the smoke detector in the lounge had been removed from its mounting.
Watch Commander Mark McCabe, from West Midlands Fire Service’s (WMFS) Fire Research and Investigation Section, said: “This case highlights the importance of having working smoke detectors in the home.
“The removal of the smoke detector undoubtedly contributed to Mr Short’s death. Had it still been working, the other people in the premises could have been alerted to the fire more quickly, and we might have been able to save him.
“This is why we urge everyone to contact us and arrange for a free Home Fire Safety Check. This service is carried out by firefighters from your local fire station. Visits will be by pre-arranged appointment only, the firefighter calling will always be in uniform, use an agreed password and show an ID card.”
The safety check looks at all areas of accident and fire risk within your home. You will get advice on the installation and maintenance of smoke alarms and on how to stay safe from fire, including kitchen hazards, safe disposal of smoking materials, candles, heaters, electric blankets and dangers from harmful substances.
Mark added: “We can also help you make an escape plan to prepare you, should a fire occur in your home.
Make sure you get warning of a fire, make sure you have a working smoke alarm.” Mark also reiterated the comments made during the inquest by HM Coroner Aiden Cotter: “It (removing a smoke detector) is an incredibly stupid thing to do, people must be aware it can lead to a death and it could be your death.”
To arrange for a Home Fire Safety Check contact the freephone number 0800 389 5525 or your local fire station.
Issued by West Midlands Fire Service’s Media Relations Office.
Regular updates on incident and other WMFS activities can be found on the media voicebank on 0871 550 0056.
