Warning after parked cars block fire engine

We were called to a domestic fire on 19 July at 3:30am, on Smith Street, Balderton. Crews from Newark attended to extinguish the fire and clear smoke from the property. On arrival, the fire engine struggled to gain access to the affected area due to double parking.

The fire was caused in the kitchen, by cooking left on the stove. Crews were in the area over the following days to offer safety advice and fit smoke alarms.

Crew Manager Dan Gloster said “We’re asking residents to think about emergency vehicle access when you’re parking. We could be called to respond at any time, day or night, so please help us to help you.

“While for this incident, residential parking didn’t cause any serious delays to our response, the fire engine had to park several houses down from the property. This was a hinderance which could have had an even greater impact at a larger incident.

“Luckily, smoke alarms in the property altered a neighbour to the fire, and we were able to intervene early.”