Wednesday, August 8, 2007

Colwyn Bay - Flats family of five escape arson in Colwyn Bay town centre

Last Updated: Saturday, 4 August 2007, 10:14 GMT 11:14 UK 
Flats family of five escape arson
A couple and two young children escaped from a blaze in Colwyn Bay town centre, which fire officers believe may have been started deliberately.North Wales Fire Service say the five, including a young mother who was for a time stranded on her flat's balcony, escaped because alarms were installed.
The fire took place in a stairway between a discount shop on Penrhyn Road and three flats on the upper floors.
An investigation is taking place to discover the exact cause of the blaze.
Fire crews were alerted just after 0200 BST on Saturday by the couple and two young children.
They had been woken by the smoke alarm and were able to evacuate the four-storey property.
Save lives
The woman became separated and was stranded on a balcony for more than a quarter of an hour before eventually using the fire escape.
Crews from Colwyn Bay and Conwy tackled the flames and an aerial platform was brought in from Llandudno.
An internal stairwell, banister and all floors were damaged.
Mark Jones, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service's community safety manager, said: "The outcome of this fire once again highlights how smoke alarms can save lives.
"By giving an early warning signal, the alarm allows occupants to escape before the fire develops".


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