At shortly before 7.15 pm on Wednesday 12th January, a 999 call was received reporting a fire in a flat in Gill Lane Walmer Bridge, Preston in which it was said that it was believed a person was inside. Fire crews from Penwortham, Tarleton and Leyland fire stations were quickly on the scene and were faced with a well developed and intense fire. They established that a person had died at the property. The property – and adjacent flats – are fitted with hard wire smoke detectors but it is not yet clear whether these were functioning at the time of the fire.
A Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said:
“Any death in a fire is simply tragic and foremost in our minds is the sympathy we feel for the person’s family and friends at this sad time. However, coming so soon after the fire over the weekend in Freckleton in which four children lost their lives, this is a terrible blow for us. But it gives us greater determination to continue our work to spread the fire safety message about the things people can do to stay safe from fire and the support that we can offer.
“Particularly we would urge people to get a smoke alarm – they can get advice and a free smoke alarm from us by calling 0800 169 1125 or visiting our website. Testing the alarm regularly is extremely important, as is looking after it by giving it a clean every now and then and never, ever removing it from its position or taking out batteries.
“A joint investigation with the police into the cause of the fire has begun. As yet, it is not possible to give an indication as to the cause, but when any information is available that may be released we will do so. The investigation will also look into whether the smoke alarm was operational”.