Residents and baby trapped in Worthing fire

Fire crews were called to flats above a hairdressers' shop in Crescent Road, Worthing, at about 4am this morning, where residents on all three floors were trapped in their flats.

A spokesman for West Sussex Fire and Rescue said: "Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the ground floor to tackle the fire, with the whole of the hallway heavily smoke-logged. They found the seat of the fire in a cupboard containing the main electrical consumer unit.

"All the residents were then led to safety by firefighters, with some of them being assessed by paramedics. One male and one female, both in their 20s were then taken to hospital suffering the effects of smoke inhalation."

He added that the Red Cross Fire Emergency Support Service, staffed by Red Cross volunteers, had provided help and temporary welfare facilities to all the displaced residents.

"The main electrical supply to the building had to be isolated by EDF, and Worthing Borough Council has put some residents up in temporary accommodation, with others going to family or friends."

Crew commander Adie Carter, from Worthing Fire Station, said it was fortunate the smoke alarm woke the occupants of the top flat.

"If fire starts and goes undetected, smoke builds up and you are in danger of being overcome as you sleep. You may wake up in a smoke filled room coughing and unable to breathe, and then find yourself unable to escape because your escape route - normally your stairs or hallway - is blocked or impassable because of the fire and smoke.

"Give yourself a chance. Make sure you have smoke alarms fitted. They cost as little as 5 and could one day save your life."

For free home fire safety advice please contact your local fire station, call 0800 328 6487, or visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire

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