Two people have been rescued by firefighters after a fire broke out in their flat in Angmering this morning.
The alarm was raised at 9.58am after the couple’s telecare alarm system automatically alerted Joint Fire Control of the fire.
Firefighters from East Preston, Littlehampton and Worthing were mobilised to the property in Wilkinson Close.
Upon arrival, firefighters found a fire on the first floor of the property which was spreading to the roof space.
Fire crews immediately removed one resident to safety as they had become injured trying to get to another who was trapped.
The firefighters continued through the house and fought through the fire to rescue one person who was trapped in their bedroom and brought them out to waiting SECAmb crews.
The couple have been taken to hospital to be treated for burns and smoke inhalation.
Firefighters were also able to rescue one of the couple’s puppies from the fire, but sadly an adult dog and another puppy died in the fire.
Firefighters administered oxygen to the surviving puppy using a specialist piece of breathing apparatus designed specifically for dogs, which is carried on all WSFRS fire engines.
Adrian Murphy, WSFRS’s Area Manager for Protection, said: “Thanks to the telecare smoke alarm we were alerted quickly which meant we were able to be on scene within a matter of minutes and rescue the couple.
“This goes to show the value of having a working smoke alarm, especially one linked to a telecare system. We would like to wish the couple a very speedy recovery.”
For more information on telecare and some of the options available visit: https://www.westsussexconnecttosupport.org/living-independently/equipment/
If you would like to arrange a Safe & Well visit, or for more information on the services available, visit: https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire-emergencies-and-crime/west-sussex-fire-and-rescue-service/home-fire-safety/safe-and-well-visit/