Man rescued from flat fire

Firefighters rescued a man from a low-rise flat fire in Newcastle-under-Lyme yesterday (Monday 18 April).

Crews from Burslem, Sandyford and Longton attended the scene on Liverpool Road, shortly after 2.25pm.

Firefighters rescued the man from inside of the property.

No one was reported injured and all residents were accounted for.

The fire was extinguished by 3.20pm.

An investigation has since confirmed that the fire started accidentally as a result of hair straighteners being left unattended.

Station Manager Darren Jackson, who attended the fire, said: “Electrical appliances can quickly ignite if they are left unattended and can spread to surrounding furniture rapidly.

“We would like to remind residents to ensure they switch of electrical devices after use and ensure heated appliances are not left to smoulder on hot surfaces or materials.

“Electrical appliances cause over 7,000 house fires every year in Staffordshire, so it is vital that residents ensure they are aware of how to limit the risk.

“In addition to this, we would like to remind the public to ensure their smoke alarms are working correctly and tested weekly”.

To read more on electrical safety, visit: Electrical safety (staffordshirefire.gov.uk)