Firefighters' plea on vital bedtime check as it saves elderly couple's home

06 July 2023 , 15:07

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Firefighters' plea on vital bedtime check as it saves elderly couple's home

The public has been urged to close doors inside their homes before they go out or to bed, as it could save lives during an emergency.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) are highlighting the difference the simple check can make after it saved a couple's flat. Michael and Marjorie Corden, from Broadstairs, Kent, were running errands when a fire started in their spare room.

Soon after, the room was engulfed by smoke and flames, but the rest of the home was largely untouched, thanks to the shut door. According to KFRS, a closed internal door can hold back fire and smoke for up to 30 minutes, increasing your time to escape to safety and reducing the risk of damage to your home.

Michael and Marjorie Corden could have lost their entire home if they had not closed the door (Kent Fire & Rescue)

For great-grandparents Michael and Marjorie, the closed door saved helped to save their beloved flat and reduced the risk for their neighbours.

Fire crews safely extinguished the fire after a neighbour called 999 having heard the smoke alarm. Now, in support of the crews who rescued their home, the couple chose to back the service's latest campaign, Smoke is No Joke.

London flat for rent for £1,400 a month with bed tucked away in kitchen cupboard

Michael, 81, said: "From doing that one simple thing of closing the door, it didn't just save our flat, which we love very much, but it's possible it saved all the other homes in the building as well."

Recalling the fire, he added: "It was a terrible shock. Black smoke was pouring from the windows and then there was a big bang, followed by a lot of flames. We were just standing there in disbelief and all we could do was cry. It was devastating.

"I dread to think what could've happened if we had left the door open, I doubt our home would still be here. This goes to show it's extremely important to make closing internal doors part of your everyday routine."

KFRS Building Fire Safety Inspector, Kim Williams, said: "Smoke and fire can spread rapidly, but a closed standard internal door can hold it back for up to 30 minutes, which gives you and your loved ones vital time to escape safely, and it reduces the chance of extensive damage to your home.

"Our new Smoke is No Joke campaign is about advising everyone to close doors before going out or going to bed, when you're less likely to be aware of a fire in your property. It's particularly important to close the kitchen door, where we know a fire is most likely to start, or the door closest to the kitchen for more open plan homes."

Amber O'Connor