House fire - West Town - Peterborough

07 August 2008, 7.35pm

One crew from Dogsthorpe and one crew from Stanground were called to a house fire in Muswell Road, West Town, Peterborough.

Fire Service control room operators received a 999 call from concerned neighbours who spotted thick black smoke billowing out of the kitchen window.

Two firefighters were sent into the home wearing breathing apparatus. They discovered a small fire in the kitchen, caused by sausages and gravy which had been left unattended on the cooker hob.

There were no smoke alarms in the property.

Four males were asleep inside the home and were woken up by firefighters and led to safety.

Stuart Smith, Crew Manager at Dogsthorpe Fire Station, said: "These men were extremely lucky that their neighbours spotted the smoke and dialled 999 when they did.

"The house had filled up with thick black smoke and breathing conditions would have been very difficult for them.

"I would like to stress the importance of keeping safe in the kitchen. Never cook when you are feeling tired. It is extremely easy to fall asleep by mistake, putting your life and the lives of others in your home at risk."

For further information on kitchen safety, or to book a Free Home Fire Safety Check - which is where a member of the Fire Service will visit your home and fit smoke alarms for free where needed - contact your local fire station, dial 0800 3289208, or visit www.cambsfire.gov.uk