Bournemouth arson attack family rehoused... in flat without smoke alarm (From Bournemouth Echo)

Bournemouth arson attack family rehoused... in flat without smoke alarm

8:30am Friday 30th July 2010 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
•  

FOUR children who nearly died in an arson attack were rehoused in a flat with no smoke alarms or fire extinguishers.

Tracy Docherty’s family were rescued from a blaze in Malmesbury Park Road, Charminster – 18-month-old Cain was thrown out of a second-floor window into a blanket held up by neighbours in the incident in June.

The family were rehoused by landlord Dave Wells in a flat in Ashley Road, Boscombe.

Tracy, 32, said: “My youngest daughter Aimee won’t sleep at night. She is scared she is going to wake up with another fire.”

Oldest daughter Toni-Anne was hailed a hero for throwing Cain to safety and getting her two sisters to a window. She has dreamt about fires starting in the new flat and said: “It’s absolutely ridiculous there is no smoke alarm.”

The Echo contacted Dave Wells Properties and a smoke alarm was fitted around one hour later.

A spokesman said: “The safety of our tenants is of paramount importance. Our fire officer carries out routine checks to ensure all our properties meet the required standards and we work closely with Dorset Fire and Rescue Service.

“Smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are not a legal requirement in all our flats though many do have them. If tenants come to us direct with concerns we act swiftly to help.”

Richard Price, director of operations for the National Landlords Association, said rules on smoke alarms varied between types of properties and local authorities.

However he said: “As a minimum, for good practice, there should be a smoke alarm fitted.”