Elderly residents survive kitchen fire

Phyllis and Dennis Russell were fast asleep in their ground floor flat at Queens Court, West Parade, when the fire started at approximately 3am, and they are convinced that their survival is predominantly down to to being woken by smoke alarms and the quick actions of a young neighbour.

Eighty year old Phyllis said: "It was about 3am when I heard the violent ringing of the alarms. I ran out of the bedroom and saw dense smoke coming from the kitchen. I got Dennis up and rang the fire brigade."

Phyliss said that both she and Dennis are deep sleepers: "We are lucky to be alive with a fire at that time of the morning. The smoke alarms were marvellous, very, very efficient, we would not have woken up without them."

Dennis, 85, said: "I thought I was dreaming when I heard all that racket!"

A concerned neighbour, Jason Wassell, who was returning home from a night out, then came to their aid, bursting through the front door and leading them to safety whilst waiting for the emergency services to arrive.

Phyliss said: "Jason took control and rushed us outside. It was very cold but Jason got a duvet and a coat to keep us warm. He's a nice young man."

Jason, 22, said: "At first I could smell the smoke, then as I got nearer I could see it gushing out by the bottom of the door, so I just rushed up and burst in the door. I didn't really think about it, it was just instinct."

Jason, a sales assistant at the local Somerfields store, bravely raced round all six flats in the block, knocking on doors informing residents of the fire.

He added: "It was shocking, you see it on TV but when it happens for real it's different. I felt a bit dizzy from the smoke and I had a sore throat for a few days."

Jason plans to join the army soon but had wanted to be a fireman, he said: "It's ironic really."

The emergency services were soon at the scene and Phyllis and Dennis were taken to the Conquest hospital suffering from smoke inhalation but were released after ten hours.

They are now recovering from their ordeal at a nearby hotel while the damage to their flat is assessed.

Early indications are that the fire, believed to have started in the airing cupboard, was caused by a water heater thermostat over-heating. The airing cupboard and kitchen suffered extensive damage.

A spokesperson for East Sussex Fire & Rescue said they can't emphasise the importance of working smoke alarms enough:

"The smoke alarms alerted the residents of the flat and they were able to leave the premises safely."

The fire service are currently offering free home visits, safety advice and free smoke alarms with ten year batteries.

Anyone wishing to receive a visit are asked to call: 0800 177 7069.