Runwell, Essex – In a harrowing incident, a mother and her baby narrowly escaped a caravan fire that originated in a cupboard adjacent to the infant’s cot. Emergency services responded promptly to the distress call, rushing to Meadow Lane in Runwell near Wickford at 00:37 GMT on Thursday.
The family, temporarily residing in the caravan, faced a perilous situation when the electrical system within a cupboard overheated, sparking a blaze. The fire caused extensive damage, leaving the caravan charred and enveloped in smoke.
Firefighters on the scene treated the family for potential smoke inhalation, emphasizing the importance of early detection through functioning smoke alarms. Andy Smith, a representative from Wickford Station, underscored the critical role of these safety measures, stating, “The family was temporarily staying in a caravan and hadn’t thought to check if there were working smoke alarms.”
Expressing gratitude that the mother awoke in time to evacuate, Smith urged the public, particularly those in unfamiliar surroundings, to regularly test smoke alarms as a precautionary measure against potential life-threatening incidents. The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the significance of fire safety, even in temporary accommodations.
