Neighbour Alerts Derry Blaze Family

A quick-thinking neighbour has almost certainly saved a family from death or serious injury in a weekend blaze in Co Londonderry.

A family of four was last night counting their blessings as it became clear they were lucky to be alive after escaping from a house fire.

Two children, aged five and eight and their parents managed to flee the house at St Canice's Terrace in Eglington at about 7am yesterday after a chip pan went on fire.

It is understood the family, who did not have a working smoke alarm, were only alerted to the fire when a neighbour smashed a window and tried to extinguish the flames.

All four had to be taken by ambulance to Altnagelvin Hospital in Londonderry where they were treated for smoke inhalation but later discharged.

The kitchen of the property was completely gutted by fire while the rest of the house was very heavily smoke logged.

Station Commander of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, Mark Darrall, said a tragedy had been narrowly averted.

"When we arrived the four people were actually just leaving the building. They had been alerted by a neighbour who had broken a rear window and had pushed a hose through to try and extinguish the flames.

"There was no working smoke alarm in the house and Mr Darrall said, had it not been for the quick actions of the neighbour a tragedy could have occurred. The consequences could have been very different."

Mr Darrall urged people not to use chip pans and added: "Firstly we would urge people not to use chip pans at all but, if they do use one, please ensure they have a properly working smoke alarm. If anyone is any doubt about whether or not their smoke alarm works, I would urge them to contact their local fire station for advice."

(BMcC)