Fire deaths prompt smoke alarm alert

Jan 3 2009 by Dave Black, The Journal

A NEW Year’s Day fire tragedy which claimed the lives of two people yesterday sparked a renewed warning about smoke alarms.

Cheryl Davies, 39, and her boyfriend Andrew Vaughan, 29, died after being overcome by smoke when a chip pan fire broke out in the kitchen of their home in Richardson Street, Ashington, early on January 1.

Firefighters – who found the couple’s bodies in their smoke-filled living room – discovered neither of the two fire alarms fitted in the house were working properly.

It is believed the couple had started cooking chips after returning home from a local pub in the early hours, but fell asleep with the cooker on.

Yesterday Northumberland’s chief fire officer Brian Hesler said the tragedy was a stark reminder of how easily fires could start and how lethally dangerous smoke can be.

He said the couple’s deaths reinforced the importance of fitting fire alarms and regularly checking they were working properly, as well as making sure that all appliances were switched off and unplugged before going to sleep.

Mr Hesler said: “It is tragic that there have been two deaths over the New Year period. At this stage we believe the fire may have been caused by a chip pan and it appears that the two smoke alarms in the property did not work.

“Smoke alarms provide vital early- warning signs when a fire breaks out, which is often during the night. They can give you and your family the necessary warning to get out in the early stages of a fire.

“I would encourage people to test their smoke alarm batteries each week. It takes just seconds to push the button, so make sure you build it into your weekly chores.”

The fire broke out after Ms Davies and Mr Vaughan returned home from the nearby Elephant pub, where she worked as a chef. Firefighters arrived at their home at about 8.30am after being alerted by concerned neighbours.

Frank Power, 72, a regular at the Elephant pub, said: “Cheryl was just lovely. I’m shocked. I saw her on New Year’s Eve and offered to buy her a drink. She was just joyful.

“Everyone in the pub is down and there are none of the usual jokes. It has hit everyone hard.”

Fire and police officers will now prepare a report for a coroner’s inquest.

Each year Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service fits thousands of free smoke alarms in properties across the county.

Anyone who wants a free home fire risk assessment, and a smoke alarm fitted free of charge, should call freephone (0800) 731-1351.

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