House fire - Millfield - Peterborough

05 August 2008, 12.45pm

One crew from Dogsthorpe and one crew from Stanground were called to a house fire on Windmill Street in Millfield, Peterborough.

A female occupant had gone to the boiler in the kitchen to turn up the heating. When she did this, the boiler ignited itself and the fire spread to flammable materials which had fallen down the back of the boiler unit.

The woman, and five other occupants, had all escaped from the premises when firefighters arrived. No one was injured.

Firefighters extinguished the fire using two breathing apparatus and one hose reel. The fire damage was contained to the boiler itself and the exterior wall and flume.

Crews returned to base by 1.41pm.

The cause of the fire was accidental.

Stuart Smith, Crew Manager at Dogsthorpe Fire Station, said: "Luckily this fire was discovered immediately and we were able to attend before it had a chance to spread.

"I would urge all residents to make sure that their boiler is serviced on a regular basis, and to call out a professional if they suspect maintenance work is needed.

"In this case, flammable objects had managed to fall down behind the boiler, which fueled the fire. It is important that residents keep this area clear."

Residents are also advised to make sure they have a working smoke alarm in their home.

Book a Free Home Fire Safety Check - Which is where a member of the fire service will visit your home, talk about fire safety and fit smoke alarms for free where needed.