Log burner believed to have caused Stapleford fire

stapleford fire damage in Derby Road

Investigators believe a fire in Stapleford which meant seven people had to be rescued was caused by a home log burner.

The blaze, which put two people in hospital with burns, broke out late on Saturday evening with fire crews from Stapleford, Highfields and Mansfield called to the scene.

Seven people had to be rescued and the fire severely damaged the Happy Cabs taxi office and the flats above.

You must monitor them closely

Matt Reavill of Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service said the fire is thought to have been started accidentally by a log burner.

“We are really keen to stress how important it is that people are careful with things, such as log burners,” he said.

“At this time of year it is natural for people to turn to them to keep warm and it is paramount that if you are going to do this, you monitor them closely.

“We also advise that wood used on the burners should be dry and well-seasoned, that logs aren’t stacked or placed right next to the burner and that accelerants should never be used to light them.

He also said the people involved could have been more seriously hurt if it weren’t for a smoke alarm which alerted them to the fire.

He added: “Having this early warning really is a life saver, and I would encourage everybody to make sure they have the right amount of smoke alarms in their property and that they test them regularly.”