There is at least one Brentwood
family that can attest to the fact that working smoke detectors can mean the
difference between replacing a sofa and replacing a home. Recently Brentwood
Fire and Rescue received a call for a residential fire alarm due to activation
of a smoke detector. This is not an uncommon occurrence in Brentwood as
firefighters are often called out to these types of calls, which are frequently
false alarms.
In this case, however, the alarm
activated as intended and alerted the family to a small fire in their home. An
unattended candle on an end table ignited a lamp and the nearby sofa. An adult
in the home heard the smoke detector and went to investigate the cause. Finding
the fire still in the incipient stage, they acted quickly and appropriately by
retrieving a nearby fire extinguisher and extinguishing the small fire.
One
fire engine responded to the scene to assist with removing the damaged
furniture from the home before setting up their specialized fans to help remove
the remaining smoke from the structure. Because the homeowner made the decision
to maintain working smoke detectors and keep an extinguisher on hand, they were
able to keep the damage to their home relatively minor.
Thanks to the combination of smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and a
home owner who knew how to use them, a scorched couch, a burned pillow and a
ruined lamp were the extent of a small house fire.
Brentwood Fire and Rescue would
like to remind you to check the batteries in your smoke detectors and keep a
fire extinguisher in your home. You may never need them, but if you ever do,
you’ll be grateful to have them on hand.
