Firefighters to reassure residents following tragedy (From Wirral Globe)

Firefighters to reassure residents following tragedy

9:00am Sunday 3rd March 2013 in News By Stephanie Cureton

FIREFIGHTERS have launched a campaign to reassure residents in Greasby after an elderly neighbour died in a blaze at her home.

The scheme, which will target more than 300 properties, comes in the wake of Veronica Broughal being found dead at her home in Lloyd Drive.

The tragedy happened on Monday, February 25 when the 80-year-old’s neighbours noticed smoke coming from her house. However she was discovered by firefighters on her bed and was later pronounced dead.

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service have since launched an investigation into the cause of the fire but a spokesman said early indications show it was an accident.

And now firefighters are set to visit local people to discuss fire safety.

Station manager Craig Whitfield said: “In total 350 properties are to be targeted as part of the reassurance campaign.

“This work follows a call-out our crews attended on February 25. Firefighters attended a serious house fire and at the scene tackled the flames and entered the property and brought a lady out of the property and attempted to revive her with CPR and a defibrillator until the arrival of paramedics.

“Sadly the lady was later pronounced dead.

“Working with partners across Wirral we are able to sign post people to further help and assistance to help to make them and communities safer.

"The campaign on Monday will advise residents on how to keep their homes safe from fire. Our advice will also stress that a smoke alarm can give someone vital seconds to escape a property in the event of a fire. We advise that people have smoke alarms fitted and that they are tested every week.
 

“A domestic sprinkler system will actually fight the fire and help to reduce its spread."
 

Ten fire appliances and community prevention teams from across the Service are expected to take part in the reassurance work alongside Wirral Council’s healthy homes team.