A fire gutted a Consett home on January 2 four hospitalized all discharged smoke alarms credited with saving lives
Fire Alarms Critical After Blaze on Richardson Way
Councillor Kathryn Rooney stated that fire alarms can be the “difference between life and death” following a fire at a home on Richardson Way on January 2.
She believes the family would not have escaped without their smoke alarms.
Details of the Fire Incident
The semi-detached home on the Berry Edge Estate caught fire in just “minutes” around 9:30 AM, according to eyewitnesses. The house was severely damaged, with the roof destroyed.
Four individuals were taken to the hospital but have since been discharged. The fire service confirmed that an investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, and it is not being treated as suspicious.
The home has been cordoned off, and a ‘Danger keep out’ sign has been placed on barriers.
Community Response and Safety Urgency
Cllr Rooney, representing the Consett North Ward, is urging residents to check their smoke alarms in light of the fire.
“It is so important to make sure your smoke alarms are up to date,” she told The Northern Echo.
“Many people checked their alarms after the fire and found their batteries were dead.”
“Smoke alarms are the difference between life and death, because the fire spread so quickly.”
“The family would not have gotten out if they didn’t have their smoke alarms.”
Community Support and Reactions
Neighbors have created a GoFundMe page aiming to raise £2,000. The goal was quickly exceeded, and the total currently stands at £5,615.
Nearby residents expressed their shock, recounting the moment the fire tore through the roof of the three-story home.
One man, who wished to remain anonymous, said he rushed home after hearing about the fire.
He recounted: “I got a call from my partner telling me to come back, there was a fire. I thought it was my place.”
“I rushed back in case anyone needed help, but the fire brigade was already there.”
“The fire brigade arrived within five minutes. It took ten minutes for the flames to come out of the roof. I’ve never seen a house go up like that before. Luckily, it wasn’t windy, and the flames didn’t spread.”
“My partner was screaming; she had her sister and her kids in the kitchen. They were all crying. It’s scary how fast it went up in flames.”
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date of Fire | January 2 |
| Time of Fire | 9:30 AM |
| Location | Richardson Way, Berry Edge Estate |
| Injuries | Four people hospitalized |
| Current Fundraising Total | £5,615 |
