Woman’s death prompts warning

Urgent advice given.

Residents in Devon are being urged to check their smoke alarms are in good working order following a fatal fire.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has issued the warning following the death of an 81-year-old after a kitchen fire in her home.

An investigating officer for the fire service said: “We would remind people that an undetected fire can spread quickly through a building and working smoke detectors will give an early warning of a fire saving valuable seconds in which to evacuate a property.”

The public are advised to test smoke alarms once a week and change the battery once a year – replacing the whole unit every 10 years.

It is important to ensure they are kept clean by using a soft brush or vacuum clean to remove excess dust or insects.