A 91-year-old man has died in a South Cumbrian house fire.
Three fire crews were called to Hartington Street in Barrow at around 4.20pm yesterday, November 21.
Six firefighters entered the building and quickly put out the fire and discovered the man. A paramedic on the scene confirmed that the 91-year-old man had died.
A joint police and fire investigation is ongoing.
It was one of a series of serious fires in the county over the weekend.
A man was rescued from a property fire in the early hours of Sunday morning and is currently in hospital after suffering severe burns.
In the early hours of Sunday, crews were called out to a house fire on Primrose Road in Barrow.
Several fire crews attended and brought the incident under control to prevent further spread to adjacent properties. Two people were taken to hospital and one man is being treated after suffering severe burns. A joint police and fire investigation has been launched.
And at around 3.50am on Saturday, crews responded to a fire at a Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa in Bassenthwaite, near Keswick.
A bin fire outside had spread to the building. Six fire engines, plus an aerial ladder platform were in attendance at the incident and one person was passed to the care of North West Ambulance Service with suspected smoke inhalation. Crews were able to contain the fire quickly which prevented it spreading. The hotel is still open for guests and visitors.
Craig Drinkald, Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service head of service delivery, said: “It is especially tragic when a fatal house fire occurs and on behalf of all of the Service we pass our condolences on to the family and friends of the elderly gentleman.
“Investigations are ongoing to find the cause of these fires, but early observations from attending crews indicate that all properties had working smoke alarms at the time of the fire.
“Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service recognises the important role of working smoke alarms in all settings but also wants to reiterate that smoke alarms are a last chance to stay safe and do give a warning but sometimes this can still not stop people from suffering harm from smoke and fire.
“Working smoke alarms do save lives, but they are a small part of staying safe from fire, they do not extinguish fire or guarantee a safe escape from the property.
“They should be used as part of a ‘staying safe from fire’ toolkit which includes, maintaining clear escape routes, keeping doors shut to prevent smoke travel and fire spread, reducing the sources of ignition and being safe when cooking.”
