Pair in hospital after early-hours flat blaze "most likely" started by pet

Sunday 11 June 2023

Two people are being treated in hospital after suffering burns and smoke inhalation while tackling a blaze in their home which firefighters suspect was caused by a pet turning on the hob.

Emergency Services were called out just after 06:00 on Sunday (11 June) following multiple calls about a blaze in a block of flats in the area of Roussel Street, St. Helier.

Two fire engines carrying nine firefighters were sent to the area. Up to 20 occupants had left the building and were waiting outside when the crews arrived.

Jersey Fire and Rescue Service said: "Two occupants of the flat were suffering the effects of burns and smoke inhalation after tackling the fire. The two flat occupants were then transported to hospital by ambulance.

"Two firefighters wearing breathing apparatus were then committed into the building to ensure the fire was fully extinguished and then cleared the flat of any smoke."

They said the "most likely" cause of the fire was that a pet "had inadvertently turned a hob on setting fire to items on top of the hob".

Following the fire, Watch Commander Richard Ryan thanked the residents for leaving the building so swiftly.

He is also reminding islanders to test their smoke alarms regularly and "in the event of a fire to get out, stay out and call 999".