Carlisle house wrecked after cat starts fire
Last updated 20:09, Tuesday, 02 September 2008
A CAT started a fire which left a Carlisle family homeless last night.
Firefighters were called to a terraced house in Coogan Close, Denton Holme, at around 8.50pm on Monday after the family cat knocked over a candle in the front room.
It set fire to a television stand, and in turn the television and the room’s curtains.
A 21-year-old occupant found what firefighters have described as a “wall of fire” engulfing the room.
She fled the house, but the tomcat had to be rescued by firefighters and given oxygen – he, and the family, were safe and well this morning.
But the family will have to be rehomed while work is carried out on the house, which was badly damaged by smoke.
Watch manager George Samson, from Carlisle’s white watch, said: “The house has been devastated by smoke.
“There were smoke detectors but their batteries had been removed – if they had been in situ the 21-year-old would have had a much earlier warning and much less damage would have been caused to the property.”
One of the fire crew had to be treated at the Cumberland Infirmary after gashing his hand while fighting the fire.
Smoke detectors can be fitted or checked for free by calling 0800 3584777.
TKennedy@cngroup.co.uk
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