FLAMES engulfed the kitchen of a house in Kenilworth yesterday.
Firefighters were called to Reeve Drive on Thursday evening (June 22) where they found smoke billowing from the house.
Crews located the fire in the kitchen where they were able to contain it.
But the rapid spread of flames had caused extensive smoke damage throughout the home, except for one room to which the door was closed.
Watch Commander Keith McDermott said that the incident highlighted the importance of keeping doors closed, which in a fire, could reduce smoke and damage to the property.
The fire is believed to have started by a portable air conditioning unit, taken down from the loft that day.
The smoke was so thick the fire crew needed to feel along the walls to find their way, as well as facing severe heat.
Although their fire alarms did not have any batteries, the residents managed to escape their home uninjured.
Keith added: “On this occasion, the residents were very lucky. They spotted the fire and were able to get out of the property and call the fire service. However, had this happened during the night, then we could well be talking about fatalities today. So please ensure that you have a working smoke alarm on each floor of your home – they do save lives!”
Visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/firesafetycheck for safety advice.
