Smoke alarm warning after blaze destroys two homes

The blaze broke out at around 9pm on Monday in the Carron Valley in one of the properties and as they were eco-homes made mostly of wood, the fire spread to the neighbouring unoccupied house, reducing that to ashes too.

Fire crews tackled the fire until late into Tuesday morning. The incident is not being treated as suspicious and an investigation is under way to its cause, but it is believed that it started in the chimney from the house’s log burner.

Station Manager Dave Wishart said the couple living in the house managed to escape to safety with their pet dog thanks to their smoke alarm. Neighbours say they are temporarily living in a property in the area.

A fire in a property in Stirling Street in nearby Denny claimed the life of 53-year-old mother-of-three Jane Reilly on Saturday, January 30.

Mr Wishart said: “Firefighters were deployed in strategic positions surrounding the building with high pressure jets and worked through the night to bring the incident to a safe conclusion.

He added: “In the event of fire, a smoke alarm will alert you and give you time to react safely and it could save your life. Anyone who is worried a person they know may be at increased risk should put them in touch with us so that our firefighters can get them the support they need and help them stay safe in their homes.”

Get a smoke alarm fitted

A smoke alarm could help save your home, and your life. Test it weekly and never remove the batteries.

If your home is on one level – a flat or bungalow – you need to fit at least one smoke alarm. If your home has more than one level, you’ll need one on each floor. If you have more than one alarm, they should be linked up to each other.

The best place for a smoke alarm is on the ceiling. Keep them 30cm (12 inches) away from any walls, lights, doors, heating or air-conditioning vents.

For more information call 0800 0731 999 or text FIRE to 80800.

A wide range of tips on how to keep yourself and your home safe from fire are available on the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service website, www.firescotland.gov.uk.