High-rise fire incident in Stockton

Two residents of Hume House, a high-rise building in Stockton, escaped a kitchen fire over the weekend, as reported by Cleveland Fire Brigade.

The fire, which started at 2:54am on Saturday, July 27, 2024, was caused by an unattended chip pan.

Seven fire engines from Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Saltburn, Stockton, and Thornaby were dispatched to the scene.

The occupants were evacuated and assessed by the ambulance service.

The building’s sprinkler system activated, extinguishing the fire and isolating the flat’s electrics, thereby preventing further risk and damage.

Although there was water damage to the flat, the sprinkler system effectively minimised smoke damage and the potential spread of fire.

Cleveland Fire Brigade’s swift response ensured the safety of other residents in the building.

Cleveland Fire Brigade’s advice on fire safety

Joe Flounders, Head of Protection at Cleveland Fire Brigade, emphasised the importance of using safer alternatives to chip pans.

He said: “This incident serves as a stark reminder for residents to chuck out their chip pans, which are major fire hazards, and switch to safer alternatives like air fryers.

“We are incredibly thankful to Thirteen Group for having the foresight in installing the sprinkler system which activated, extinguishing the fire and preventing it from spreading within the flat, which could have been catastrophic.”

Flounders also highlighted the benefits of sprinkler systems: “We believe that sprinklers are a highly effective, reliable and a cost-effective fire safety measure that can save lives, reduce injuries, protect our firefighters who attend incidents, provide peace of mind for our residents and reduce property damage.

“Cleveland Fire Brigade is committed to reducing risk to its communities and the installation of sprinklers by residential properties, businesses, schools and care homes will help achieve this.”

Thirteen Group’s commitment to safety

Thirteen Group, responsible for Hume House, has invested significantly in fire safety measures.

Peter Taylor, Thirteen’s head of health and safety, reiterated their commitment to resident safety: “The safety and wellbeing of our customers is our number one priority.

“Thankfully no one was injured during the incident and we’ll continue to support our customers affected.”

Taylor detailed their investment in safety: “We’ve made significant investment over recent years to ensure the highest possible safety standards are in place, with more than £2million being spent on installing extra safety measures like the sprinkler systems at Hume House, which work automatically in the event of a fire, helping to ensure that our residents feel safe and have peace of mind at all times.”