Man rushed to hospital after becoming trapped in house fire in Hainault
A man as been rushed to hospital after a house fire in Hainault in the early hours of Saturday morning (February 1). One man was rescued by firefighters from the ground floor of a house on Trelawney Road after a fire broke out in the early hours of the morning.
The man was taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews to be treated for smoke inhalation. The Brigade was called at 2.22am and firefighters mobilised six fire engines and around 40 firefighters from Hainault, Ilford, Woodford, Leytonstone and Chingford fire stations to the scene.
The fire is believed to have been caused by an unattended candle which ignited flammable items in the house. The fire service states that a large amount of possessions were stored inside the property, which impeded the escape of the occupant inside.
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Station Commander Graham Beers, who was at the scene, said: “Upon arrival, firefighters discovered that a large amount of possessions were stored inside the property, which impeded the escape of the occupant inside.
“It’s not uncommon for people to acquire an excessive number of items and find it difficult to throw things away, but hoarding means exit routes can become blocked, making escape more difficult in the event of a fire. Fires can also spread much faster and difficult access can make these types of fires dangerous for crews.
“The Brigade is particularly concerned that with the increased cost of living, those with hoarding tendencies are even more at risk as they look for alternative, cost-effective ways to cook, as well as heat and light their homes, such as candles.”
In a bid to help those with hoarding tendencies, the Brigade is highlighting the support they offer and are asking people who hoard possessions, or who know someone who does, to complete the Home Fire Safety Checker.
Station Commander Beers added: “Although a smoke alarm was present inside the house, it did not operate due to a flat battery. We urge people to have working smoke alarms on every level of your home and to test them regularly. Smoke alarms will give the earliest possible warning if a fire breaks out in your home. As a minimum, you should have smoke alarms on every floor – in the hallways and rooms you use the most , plus a heat alarm in the kitchen and bathroom."