Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service have warned of the dangers of smoking in the home after they were called to a house fire in Chester in the early hours of this morning (Tuesday, June 28).

Crews were called to the property on Weston Grove in Upton just before 12.30am and discovered the blaze had originated in one of the bedrooms in the semi-detached property.

They wore breathing apparatus and used a hose reel jet to bring the fire under control, then used a high pressure fan to ventilate the house.

Bedroom floorboards were cut away to make sure there were no further hotspots.



A spokesperson said the cause of the fire was believed to be discarded smoking materials and as a result, have issued the following safety advice about smoking in the home.

If you or someone in your home smokes you can take the following simple steps to prevent a fire from happening in your home:

  • Never smoke in bed - if you need to lie down, don't light up. You could doze off and set your bed on fire
  • Take extra care when you're tired, taking any sort of drugs or have been drinking alcohol. It's very easy to fall asleep while your cigarette is still burning
  • Make sure your cigarette is fully extinguished. Put it out, right out!
  • Never leave lit cigarettes, cigars or pipes unattended - they can easily overbalance as they burn down
  • Use a proper, heavy ashtray that can't tip over easily and is made of a material that won't burn
  • Do not empty your ashtray into a bin because this can cause the bin to catch fire. A drop of water in the ashtray will help to make it safe, then leave it to cool down fully.
  • Fit and maintain a smoke alarm - A working smoke alarm can buy you valuable time to get out, stay out and dial 999. You can get a ten-year smoke alarm for roughly the same price as two packets of cigarettes

Book a home safety check

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service will fit free smoke alarms for people who are aged over 65 and for people who are referred by partner agencies because they are considered to be at a particular risk.

If you are over 65 years of age and live in Cheshire, you can arrange for a firefighter or a community safety advocate to visit your home for a free home safety visit.

During the home safety visit advice will be given on how to make your home safer, what to do in the event of a fire and what to do if you are trapped by a fire. Free smoke alarms will also be fitted (if needed) with an explanation on how to maintain them correctly.