Fire service issues urgent warning after Bridgnorth incident

The fire service say a potentially serious incident in Bridgnorth highlights the importance of smoke alarms.

One fire crew from Bridgnorth Fire Station was called to a property at Bridge Street at around 1.45am today - October 26.

An update from firefighters following the incident explained that the fire alarms in the building, which contains multiple flats, had activated.

The fire had been caused by an unattended candle catching nearby paper, which fell into a bin.

Posting on social media Bridgnorth Fire station said that the incident had shown how working alarms can prevent disaster.

It said: “In the early hours of the morning we responded to what could have been a very serious incident.

“Alerted to reports of a building fire on Bridge Street, residents had reported smell of smoke in the building containing multiple flats.

“On arrival a resident reported the alarms had been activated due to a small fire in their flat. The fire was caused by an unattended candle catching some nearby paper, and falling into a bin.

“Thankfully the alarms did their job. They woke the resident who was able to quickly extinguish the paper, but the smoke remained.

“Crews assisted with clearing the smoke through natural ventilation and have some advice to the occupant.”

Issuing advice following the incident the fire station added: “Never leave candles unattended. Always blow them out even if you’re leaving the room temporarily.

“Never place the candles close to combustible materials such as paper or fabric.

“Always place candles on a suitable non-combustible surface and not directly onto a window sill or shelf.

“Regularly check and clean your smoke alarms.

“Keep exit routes clear for speedy and safe escape if required.”