Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) attended a serious house fire on Oaklands Avenue, Crosby, in the morning of Monday 4^th May. We can confirm that very sadly the occupant of the house has died as a result of injuries sustained in the incident.

Crews were alerted at 5.43am and on scene at 5.48am, with three fire engines in attendance. Fire crews arrived to find a fire in the first-floor, front bedroom of a semi-detached property. A neighbour had tried to make a rescue of the sole occupant but was unable due to the developing fire.

Firefighters in breathing apparatus brought the fire under control and searched the property, bringing a casualty from the top floor. Emergency life-saving procedures were carried out by fire crews and a paramedic before the casualty was taken to hospital by North West Ambulance Service in a serious condition. The fire was extinguished by 6.11am and no one else was injured in the incident. Firefighters then carried out further checks in the adjoining property before leaving the scene later in the day. 

Initial investigations indicate the fire was accidental and is not being treated as suspicious and a joint investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing. 

Firefighters and MFRS prevention staff will visit the local area to provide vital fire safety advice and complete home fire safety checks (HFSCs) as part of a reassurance campaign in the coming days.

Mark Thomas, Area Manager for Prevention at MFRS, said: “This was a very serious fire that has tragically resulted in loss of life. Our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of the lady who was involved. We also know the impact an incident like this can have on the wider community and our crews will be on hand to support in the coming days. 

“I must praise the actions of the neighbour who raised the alarm, they did exactly the right thing by calling us. All three Emergency Services attended very quickly, working together to try and influence a more positive outcome. 

“If you do 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.”

AM Thomas added: “The most important step you can take to keep yourself and your loved ones safe is to ensure your home has working smoke alarms. This is absolutely vital. Working smoke alarms can give you the time you need to escape. Make sure your exit routes are clear and that doors within your property are closed at night. These simple steps will allow you and your family to exit your home safely and quickly in the event of an emergency. Remember, in the event of a fire – get out, stay out and call 999.”

Follow these tips to say safe from fire:

• Smoke alarms – smoke alarms save lives but only if they’re working and in the right place. You should have at least one working smoke alarm on every level of your home. Consider installing additional alarms in rooms with electrical appliances or sleeping areas. Don't put alarms in or near kitchens and bathrooms where smoke or steam could set them off accidentally. NEVER take the batteries out of your smoke alarm to put into another electrical device.
• Heaters – keep heaters well away from clothes, curtains, furniture and other flammable materials. NEVER use heaters to dry clothes. ALWAYS switch off and unplug your heaters before going to bed.
• Smoking – Please try not to smoke. Smoking is bad for your health and causes more death from accidental fires than any other cause. If you must smoke, use a proper ashtray and make sure it is placed on a level surface away from combustible materials. Make sure your cigarettes are fully extinguished. Never smoke in bed – you could easily fall asleep while your cigarette is still burning and cause a fire.
• Candles – keep candles and tea lights away from anything that can catch fire. NEVER leave lit candles unattended – make sure they are fully extinguished before leaving the room or going to bed. Consider using LED battery-operated candles instead.
• Cooking – make it a priority to keep cooking areas clear and clean from combustible materials. Make sure your oven and grill are clean – a build-up of fat or grease can cause a fire. DON’T leave pans unattended while cooking and NEVER leave children or pets unattended in the kitchen.
• Electrical items – check your electrical appliances are in good working order. If the wires are damaged or frayed, do no not use them. Avoid charging items like mobile phones, laptops or tablets overnight and only use the chargers that came with the device. Don’t overload your plug sockets.
• Escape routes – make sure everyone in your household knows how to get out in the event of a fire. Ensure your escape routes are clear from any clutter. Keep your external door and window keys in a known and accessible place and close internal doors.
• IN AN EMERGENCY, CALL 999 IMMEDIATELY. In the event of a fire, get out, stay out and call 999.