A fire which killed a 73-year-old man was potentially started by a cigarette.
Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service (MFRS) were called to the Wesley Grange housing complex on Pemberton Road, Woodchurch, on Thursday, May 4. Five engines were on scene at 8.53pm and found a fire on the ground floor of a four-storey building.
Merseyside Police attended to assist with road closures and North West Ambulance Service paramedics were also at the scene. The fire was extinguished shortly and a full search of the building was completed, with all persons accounted for and evacuated from the property.
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Fire crews left the scene at 12.51am on Friday, May 5. However, the fire resulted in the man's death. An initial investigation found the fire was potentially caused by smokers' materials.
Mark Thomas, Area Manager for Prevention at MFRS, said: “This is an extremely sad incident that has resulted in the death of a 73-year-old man. Our thoughts are with his friends, family, and community at this very difficult time. The initial investigation indicates that smokers’ materials caused the fire to start."
He added: “If you have elderly neighbours or relatives, or if you are a carer looking after someone more vulnerable, check in on them frequently to make sure they are safe and well. Help them with Fire Safety advice and please speak to us in the Fire and Rescue Service if you need more support to keep them safe. We also urge care support agencies to let us know if they feel someone might be vulnerable from fire – we can help with interventions to keep people safe in their homes.
“If you hear a smoke alarm go off in a neighbour’s property, check it out and if you suspect fire, call 999 immediately. Those vital few seconds could help save a life. Don’t try to enter the property yourself if you think there is a fire – call 999.”
MFRS are conducting a reassurance and safety campaign following the man's death. Firefighters from Saughall Massie Community Fire Station alongside staff from MFRS Prevention and Protection teams visited the surrounding area of Birkenhead to offer fire safety advice and provide reassurance. Crews also completed home fire safety checks.
About this, AM Thomas said: “The key focuses of this week’s reassurance campaign are the importance of having working smoke alarms and to ensure people are aware of the dangers that can arise from smoking in the home.
“We urge the public to ensure their homes have working smoke alarms on every level and to test them at least monthly. If you hear a smoke alarm go off in a neighbour’s property, check it out and if you suspect fire, call 999 immediately. Those vital few seconds could help save a life.
“If you do smoke, the safest thing to do is to stop. Fires ignited by cigarettes or smoking materials result in more fatalities than any other type of fire. Never smoke in bed, take extra care when you’re tired and make sure your cigarette is fully extinguished.”
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