A man died in a flat fire that is believed to have been caused by smokers' materials last week.
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that a flat fire that broke out on St Domingo Grove in Everton on Friday November 4, is believed to have been started by smokers' materials that were found at the flat. The serious fire led to the death of a 62-year-old man.
Fire crews were first alerted at 5.36pm and three fire engines arrived at the scene at 5.41pm. Crews arrived to find the fire on the first floor of the flat block, with four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus running into the burning building and one using a hose.
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An initial investigation suggests that the smokers' materials ignited the fire, with the service now looking to reassure those living in the area. Mark Thomas, Area Manager for Prevention at MFRS, said: “This is an extremely sad incident that has resulted in the death of a 62-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."
The fatal fire saw both Merseyside Police and North West Ambulance Service rush to the scene. AM Thomas 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.”
A reassurance campaign launched by MFRS has seen firefighters from the city centre, Kensignton, Toxteth and Kirkdale visit the surrounding area in L5 to offer advice and home fire safety checks.
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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