windsorfirestation.co.uk

The following is an account by Francis Batt of the Windsor Express of a fire attended by Windsor Crews;

Sleeping boy, 15, Rescued by Firefighters
Sunday 20th June 2010
A sleeping 15-year-old boy was rescued by firefighters from his smoke-filled flat in the early hours of this morning.

Residents of a neighbouring flat called the fire brigade after hearing the smoke alarm at 12.30am.

All eight flats in the block in St Leonard’s Road, Windsor, were evacuated. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus found a 15-year-old youth unconscious in bed. His 19-year-old brother was unconscious outside having climbed out his bedroom window.

The 15-year-old was taken to Wexham Park Hospital, Slough, for observation but is not understood to be in a serious condition.

Residents of other flats in the block were allowed to go back in after an-hour-and-half.

Watch Manager Karl Ward from Windsor Fire Station said the incident highlighted the importance of the campaign being run to persuade people to install smoke alarms.

He said: “In this case people heard the alarm and reacted. It really can make the difference between life and death.”

Michael Rowley the Fire Brigades Union Secretary at Windsor adds, ‘This dramatic life or death situation is a vivid example of the role of the Fire Service, and what can be more reassuring than having your local Fire Crews at your doorstep within those critical minutes? It is imperative that Windsor Fire Station remains open 24/7.’