Investigation under way after pensioner dies at scene of County Durham house fire
A pensioner has died at the scene of a County Durham house fire. Emergency services were called to reports of smoke coming from a house on Westdale View, Tow Law[1], at around 2.22pm on Monday. Three appliances from Crook, Bishop Auckland and Consett[2] were immediately deployed, alongside police and ambulance.
Upon arrival, crews were met with a fully developed fire and firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the property and proceeded to conduct a search and extinguish the fire using hose reels. Sadly, a woman was pronounced deceased at the scene. A joint investigation between County Durham[3] and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) and Durham Constabulary[4] is under way to determine the cause of the fire.
A CDDFRS[5] spokespersons said: "As a fire service, this is never the outcome we hope for. First and foremost, our thoughts are with the family and friends of those affected by this tragic incident. "We ask that people give her family and loved ones the privacy they need as they attempt to come to terms with what has happened.
"As a service we aim to protect and educate the members of our communities about the dangers of fire. At a time like this we are reminded of the dangers of fire and urge all residents to take up our offer of a free Home Fire Safety Visit where we can provide fire safety advice for your home and fit smoke alarms. "If you already have a smoke alarm, remember to test it once a week.
"Fire crews from Crook Fire Station will be working in the neighbourhood today to offer reassurance to neighbours and provide home fire safety advice."
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References
- ^ Tow Law (www.chroniclelive.co.uk)
- ^ Consett (www.chroniclelive.co.uk)
- ^ County Durham (www.chroniclelive.co.uk)
- ^ urham Constabulary (www.chroniclelive.co.uk)
- ^ CDDFRS (www.chroniclelive.co.uk)
- ^ Join our Breaking News and Top Stories WhatsApp community (chat.whatsapp.com)
- ^ privacy notice (www.reachplc.com)
- ^ CLICK HERE TO JOIN (chat.whatsapp.com)