Loft Fire Safety LessonThe importance of loft fire safety precautions were highlighted when a Sussex couple were hospitalised with burns after a blaze in their loft conversion. Three fire crews fought the blaze which engulfed the property with the loft bedroom being severely damaged. The converted loft did not have smoke alarms nor did the extension have a door - this of course could have resulted in the fire spreading to the rest of the house. It is vitally important that your loft design incorporates the latest safety precautions. This really should go without saying but the building regulations do stipulate that smoke detectors / fire alarms must be fitted in any loft extension and that the new room is able to withstand fire for thirty minutes. The experience of the Sussex couple, who were fortunate to escape with their lives, must be a lesson to us all. The commanding officer in charge of the crews which responded to the fire also offered some sensible advice. He said: “We urge people who make modifications to their homes to make sure that smoke detectors are fitted on every level. “It is also vitally important that all smoke alarms are tested at least once a week.”
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