Frenchs Forest fire: Sleeping family of five saved by smoke alarm
Authorities have praised a family of five on the northern beaches for installing a smoke alarm that alerted them to a house fire while they were asleep.
Manly
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A smoke alarm may have potentially saved the life of a sleeping northern beaches’ family of five after a fire broke out in their home while they were asleep.
The blaze started in a range hood above a stove in the home in Hurdis Ave at Frenchs Forest on Wednesday night.
Northern Beaches Police said smoke from the kitchen fire activated a smoke alarm.
The noise woken up a husband and wife at about 9.45pm. They have three children.
A police spokesman said the 59-year-old man went to investigate the source of the alarm and smelled smoke coming from the kitchen.
“He soon discovered that the range hood above the stove was on fire,” the spokesman said.
“The man’s wife and children evacuated the house and called Fire and Rescue while he used an extinguisher to try and put out the fire.”
Firefighters from the Forestville fire station, police and an ambulance arrived soon after.
The fire was declared officially extinguished at 10pm, but there was significant heat and water damage to the kitchen.
The fire appears to be as a result of an electrical fault.
The man was treated by paramedics for smoke inhalation, but was not taken to hospital.
Earlier in the evening, the Forestville brigade was called to another kitchen fire in Hews Pde at Belrose.
The fire started in a wall oven just after 5.30pm, but was put out before it spread from the kitchen.
Authorities said the fires were a timely reminder for all householders to check, or install smoke alarms.
Fire and rescue Acting Superintendent Scott Dodson said the Frenchs Forest fire was a perfect example of how working smoke alarms can save lives.
“Thankfully in this instance the occupants heard the smoke alarm and woke up and were able to safely evacuate,” Superintendent Dodson said.
“Now is the time for residents to check they have a working smoke alarm and that all members of the family have an awareness of calling Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.”