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Hillsborough County Fire Rescue News Release, November 6, 2009
For Immediate Release
For more information contact:
Ray Yeakley, Public Information Officer
Fire Rescue Department
Telephone: 272-6600
House Fire- Lucky Escape
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL. - November 6, 2009 8:00 AM What: House Fire- Lucky Escape
Who: Hillsborough County Fire Rescue
When: (0108 dispatch time) (0115 on scene)
Where: 4201 North Wind Lane (Northdale) Narrative: Hillsborough County Fire Rescue extinguished an early morning house fire in the Northdale community of Hillsborough County. The fire origin was the bedroom of the fourteen year old son. The fire extended into the attic and hallway. The fire is under investigation but believed to be accidental in nature. A family cat was killed, two cats were found alive. Family members were treated for smoke inhalation by fire rescue paramedics but refused transport to the hospital. Four engines, one Rescue Ambulance, a Battalion Chief vehicle and a breathing air service unit with 16 firefighters were dispatched. Neighbors have offered assistance with lodging and other needs. Fire investigator Dave Tucker noted that the smoke alarm batteries had not been changed in several years and that the smoke alarms examined were inoperable. Fire Rescue staff wants to remind everyone that all homes should have working smoke alarms. Install smoke alarms outside sleeping areas and on every level of the home. Batteries should be changed routinely. "Change your clocks, change your batteries" Smoke alarms have a useful life of about ten years. At that age they should be replaced, even if they seem to be working. This will assure that the alarm will be working when you need it. United States Fire Administration "Several studies have concluded that when working smoke alarms are present, the chance of dying from the fire is cut in half. The smoke alarms currently in place have saved thousands of lives, but several problems exist. First, the 12% of homes without alarms have more than half of the fires; second, it is estimated that a third of the smoke alarms in place are not working, often due to failure to replace a worn out battery; and third, many homes do not have as many smoke alarms as are needed to protect the occupants properly"
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