A MAN who fell asleep while making dinner was rescued from his smoke-filled house by Haslemere firefighters this week.
Haslemere Fire and Rescue was called to a house in Shottermill on Monday at 5-18 pm, after the manÕs smoke alarm was set off.
Leading firefighter Ray Esher said that although there were no signs of smoke from the outside, there was no answer to the doorbell.
ÒWe carefully forced the door with a chisel, causing minimal damage, and there was a haze of smoke throughout the house,Ó he said. ÒThe middle aged gentleman was asleep on the sofa, and the gas stove was still on.Ó
Firefighters switched off the stove and the alarm, and cleared the house of smoke.
ÒThe potatoes had boiled over and burnt black, but the stove was still on and so it could have escalated,Ó said Mr Esher.
Two appliances attended the scene, with 11 crew.
ÒThis shows the importance of having a smoke detector,Ó said Mr Esher. ÒIt could have been a lot worse, so they are very valuable.Ó
For more information about installing smoke detectors, contact Haslemere fire station on 01428 643991.