Three rescued by firefighters after Corby care home bonfire night blaze

Firefighters were called out at 3.30pm today

Fire crews from Kettering and Corby were called to a fire at Swan Gardens in School Place, Corby, today (Thursday, November 5) at about 3.30pm.

When they arrived, firefighters in breathing apparatus were deployed to search for those trapped and to extinguish the fire.

More than 30 residents were led to safety by care home staff.

The three rescued by firefighters were treated for smoke inhalation, one was taken to Kettering General Hospital by East Midlands Ambulance Service.

Incident Commander Kevin Aitken said: “We quickly established good communications with the care home staff and deployed firefighters in breathing apparatus with high pressure hose reels to search for residents and to extinguish the fire.

“The care home staff have a well-rehearsed fire and evacuation plan, so firefighters were able to be directed straight to the persons at most risk and quickly brought them out to safety.

“At this incident, it was imperative we made a swift and effective rescue plan.

“Our crews are familiar with care homes across the county, as we regularly undertake inspections to keep our knowledge up-to-date and to ensure our crews are familiar with all types of risks and emergency scenarios.”

A fire crew and combined aerial rescue platform from Corby and a crew from Kettering attended the scene.

The fire alarm at the care home gave a vital early warning to allow the staff to put their fire plan into place.

Mr Aiken added: “This really emphasises the importance of testing your smoke alarms, be that in commercial or domestic premises.

“The incident yet again shows that smoke alarms really do save lives.”

Fire safety specialists and fire investigators are supporting the business and the cause is under investigation.

For more information about business fire safety, visit www.northantsfire.gov.uk/safety/meeting-your-legal-obligations-rb/

Earlier, firefighters urged people not to have bonfires at home after all organised displays were cancelled because of lockdown.

Already this evening crews have attended bonfires in Northampton, Wellingborough Desborough, Walgrave and Rushden