Couple saved from fire following Home Safety Check

A couple was saved from a fire in their home after smoke alarms fitted by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service woke them up.

The fire began in the kitchen of their home on Atholl Drive, Darnhill, Heywood, due to a fault with their tumble dryer.

It started some time after 1.00am today (Monday, 27 February) and the man and woman who live in the house, aged in their 30s, were alerted to the fire after a smoke alarm sounded – they got themselves out of the house and dialled 999.

Two fire engines from Heywood Fire Station went out to the blaze at 1.50am and two fire-fighters in breathing apparatus tackled the blazed with a hose reel.

The fire-fighters also rescued the couple's two pet dogs from the fire.

Once the fire was out, they used a fan to clear the smoke.

The man and woman were checked over by fire-fighters but did not need any medical treatment following the blaze.

Damage was limited to the kitchen.

Councillor David Acton, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service Chairman, said: "All the work we do educating people how to protect their homes, act in an emergency and fitting smoke alarms has proved its value again.

"While we do not wish to underestimate the clean-up and repairs this couple now face doing, had they not had smoke alarms to give them an early warning and acted so quickly and calmly, the consequences could have been much worse.

"We would advise anyone who hasn't already been visited by our fire-fighters or Prevention staff to have a Home Safety Check as soon as possible."