Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service has given an update on the cause of a ground floor flat blaze where an elderly woman was found dead.
Emergency services rushed to Carisbrooke Road in Kirkdale shortly before 4pm on Saturday, March 12, following reports of a fire. A neighbour raised the alarm and called 999 when she spotted blackened windows. Once three fire engines arrived at the scene, they found a ground floor flat was well alight. Sadly fire crews found the body of an 81-year-old woman.
North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) and Merseyside Police were also in attendance at the incident. Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) has now confirmed the fire was "accidental" and caused by smoker’s materials. Firefighters and prevention staff from MFRS will be visiting residents surrounding Carisbrooke Road this week to reassure them, offer vital fire safety advice and carry out home fire safety checks.
READ MORE: Baby died after being taken to hospital from house
Mark Thomas, Group Manager for Prevention at MFRS, said: “This is an extremely sad incident that has resulted in the death of an 81-year-old woman. Our thoughts are with her friends, family, and community at this very difficult time. The initial investigation indicates that smokers’ materials caused the fire to start.
"The neighbour who raised the alarm did exactly the right thing by calling us but sadly the fire had already developed."
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service are now urging people to make fire safety a priority.
Mr 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.”
