13 June 2012
A high-rise flat in St Helier suffered severe damage following a fire on the second floor. A call was received just after 10am on 13 June for smoke coming from the second floor flat of a St Helier high-rise after a neighbour had been alerted by a smoke alarm. The first fire engine was quickly on the scene and began operations specifically detailed for a high-rise incident.
Whilst this was being established a breathing apparatus crew from the second fire engine was briefed and entered the building. A second breathing apparatus crew was quickly committed whilst the remaining Blue Watch members cordoned off the immediate area. In the early stages of the incident it was confirmed that there were no people in the flat, however the family's 3 cats were inside. They were found and left safely on the flat balcony.
The fire, which was contained to the kitchen area, was extinguished but the rest of the flat was severely damaged by smoke. Immediate investigations show that the fire was started due to an electrical fault within a kitchen appliance.
Watch Commander Chris Love said "domestic electrical appliances such as washing machines, tumble dryers and dishwashers should not be left on when there is no one at home, even for the shortest of periods."
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