A DETECTOR saved the life of a 75-year-old woman, who was rescued from her smoke-filled Grimsby flat by firefighters.
Discarded smoking materials are believed to be the cause of the blaze, which broke out at George Janney Court in the early hours of yesterday while the woman – described by a neighbour as "a frail old lady who does not get out" – was asleep in her bedroom.
Neighbours raised the alarm – but could not get into her home off Victor Street to rescue her, as it was secured with a keypad, which they did not have the number for.
In desperation, they called the firefighters, who had to batter the door down to gain entry.
The neighbours were praised for helping to save her life as the drama unfolded shortly after 1.30am.
She was taken to the Diana, Princess Of Wales Hospital, Grimsby, suffering from the effects of smoke inhalation.
At the time of going to press, she was believed to still be in hospital recovering. Resident Ethel Sadler said: "She is a frail old lady who does not get out. It was upsetting that she was there and they had to break the door down to get to her.
"No one knew the combination of the key pad to get to her."
Another neighbour said: "It is a shame because carers have to use the key pad to get into the home. I think she could do with some more help."
Phil Leake, Community Safety Manager for Humberside Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Incidents like this really do highlight the importance of having working smoke detectors fitted in the home.
"The alarm sounding gave the neighbours an early warning of the fire and enabled them to dial 999."
The manager advised residents to have smoke detectors fitted on each level of their home and check on a weekly basis they are in good working order.
Mr Leake added: "Working smoke detectors are cheap to buy, easy to install and really can save lives. There is no doubt this incident could have been far worse had there been no working smoke detectors fitted."
Community safety advocate Ben Watcham said: "This shows how smoke alarms save lives. The neighbours did exactly the right thing.
"It is important people have smoke detectors fitted and working."
A Humberside Fire Service spokeswoman confirmed the fire had started due to carelessly discarded smoking materials.
Shoreline head of housing Rachel Munoz said: "Our thoughts are with both the occupier of the flat and the residents of George Janney Court, who we would like to thank for their prompt action.
"Our employees have been working closely with the local care agencies to make sure adequate support services are in place and we will continue to liaise with Humberside Fire and Rescue Service as we await further information on the cause of the fire.
"We encourage residents who live alone to fit a key safe in case someone needs to enter their home in an emergency, and we provide assistance in fitting these should any tenants require them."
For fire safety advice, log on to www.humbersidefire.gov.uk
