Firefighters issue safety warning after devastating house fire in North Shields

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) have issued a fire safety warning, after a kitchen fire destroyed a home in North Shields.

Devastating images show the damage and destruction caused by the fire which was described by TWFRS as “raging”.

Around 1pm on Saturday, August 20 emergency services were called to a house fire at a property on Waterville Road, North Shields. Fire control staff immediately deployed crews to the two storey semi-detached property.

The firefighters arrived within six minutes and began to battle the flames that had started to engulf the ground floor of the property. Thankfully, no one was injured by the fire, but it has severely damaged the home.

An investigation into the cause of the fire, found that it originated in the kitchen as a box of tea towels was left on the hob, before it accidentally switched on. This meant that the material was set alight, causing the huge blaze.

Group Manager of TWFR, Steve Burdis who attended the fire issued a reminder of simple fire safety advice for your home.

He said: “Although this fire was an accident, we want to remind the public about the dangers of leaving combustible materials on your hob.

“Boxes, tea towels and oven mitts can all catch fire very easily and cause devastating damage like we’ve seen in this instance.

“Electric hobs can turn on when not switched off properly so it is far safer to always keep the area clear.

“If you are unlucky enough to fall victim to a fire then get out of the building and call 999 but follow one important piece of advice.

“Always shut internal and external doors if you can – this can help contain the fire and reduce the overall damage to your property.”

He also praised the fire control staff and the two crews from Tynemouth Community Fire station for their hard work to bring the blaze under control.

TWFRS recently launched their ‘Lifesaver’ campaign urging the public to call if they know of someone who could benefit from a home visit. These visits include the fitting of smoke alarms, organising an evacuation plan, or other fire safety prevention measures.”

To organise a home visit, call TWFRS’s Prevention Team on 0800 0327777 or fill out an enquiry form here.