A man in his fifties has died following a house fire in North Tyneside today.
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service received a call at 1.43pm this afternoon (19 February). Two appliances from North Tyneside South Community Fire Station and one appliance from Newcastle East Community Fire Station put the fire out using 1 hose reel, with four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus. Unfortunately, upon arrival of the fire and rescue service, the man was found dead in the living room.
The fire in the top floor flat started in the living room which was moderately damaged by fire, heat and smoke whilst the remainder of the flat was damaged by smoke.
There were no smoke alarms at the property.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Tom Capeling at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: "This is a terrible tragedy. At this moment in time we are not sure what the cause of the fire is and our thoughts go to the family and friends of the man."
"We can not stress enough the importance of having working smoke alarms. Smoke alarms give a 95% chance of getting out of the property within five minutes. We advise everyone to ensure they have working smoke alarms in their property and to check them regularly - it really can mean the difference between life and death."
Officers from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and Northumbria Police are currently investigating the cause of the fire.
ENDS
For more information please contact Corporate Communications.
Tel: 0191 444 1513/ 1542/ 1725
Email: corporatecommsofficer@twfire.gov.uk
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