Four people died in house fires in less than a month following incidents where food was left unattended.
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) has issued a warning following the deaths of four people in a number of unrelated incidents. Fire crews were called to four separate addresses in or close to Merseyside between November 24 and December 23 this year. All incidents involved a death.
The fire service added in all cases there had been a fire in the kitchen. A spokesperson for MFRS said all are believed to be a slow and smouldering with no fire present when firefighters arrived at the scene.
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The first incident happened in Barnfield Drive, West Derby, and resulted in the death of a 54-year-old man. Merseyside Police was called to the property on the morning of Thursday, December 24 following concerns for the safety for the occupier. On gaining entry to the heavily sooted flat officers found the body of a man.
Initial investigations into the cause of the fire determined it started accidentally as a result of cooking being left unattended. Further investigations are underway to determine the exact time of the fire, although it is believed to have happened on Monday, November 21.
The second incident took place in Tranmere on Monday, December 19. MFRS was called to the house after it was reported windows to the property were darkened. On arrival, crews found the body of a 66-year-old man. An investigation into the cause of the fire found it was started accidentally as a result of combustible materials being in close proximity to a lit gas hob.
The third and fourth fatality occurred in two separate incidents just before Christmas on Friday, December 23. MFRS crews were called to Elm Avenue in Ashton-in-Makerfield near Wigan shortly after 2pm. Three fire engines from MFRS attended, with additional support from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.
The fire had burnt itself out prior to the arrival of crews, who found the body of a 70-year-old man in the property. A joint investigation into the cause of the fire determined it started accidentally as a result of a chip pan being left unattended.
Shortly before 8.30pm on the same day, fire crews were dispatched to Belvidere Road, Toxteth. The fire was again out on arrival but during their search of the property, firefighters discovered the body of 64-year-old man. An investigation into the cause of this fire has determined that it too was caused by a pan of food being left unattended in the kitchen.
A spokesperson for the fire service said firefighters and MFRS prevention staff will visit the areas surrounding the incidents to provide fire safety advice and complete home fire safety checks as part of a reassurance campaign on Friday, December 30.
Mark Thomas, area manager for prevention at MFRS, said: "Our thoughts are very much with the family, friends and loved ones of those who have died and we are mindful of the impact that each of these tragic incidents will have on the local community, particularly at this time of the year. Investigations have been carried out into all four of these incidents and all are believed to have started as a result of cooking being left unattended."
AM Thomas added: "Because of the nature of each incident, we are asking people to be extra careful when cooking, particularly if you live alone. If you need to leave the kitchen for any reason, turn off the heat until you return. Avoid cooking when you are not in a fully alert state of mind. If you have vulnerable friends, neighbours or relatives, offer them help and support to help them stay safe.
"Initial investigations indicate that the smoke alarm sounded in a number of these incidents, although sadly they were not heard so the fire remained undetected. We would urge everyone to ensure that smoke alarms are installed and are tested regularly, but just as importantly, we would urge you to never ignore a smoke alarm. If your smoke alarm sounds and you believe there is a fire, get out, stay out and call 999 immediately. Don’t attempt to tackle the fire yourself.
"If you hear a smoke alarm go off in a neighbour’s property, check it out and if you suspect a fire, call 999 immediately – those vital few seconds could help save a life. Don’t try to enter the property as you could end up in difficulty yourself – call 999 and ask for the fire and rescue service."
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