Wolverhampton flat fire leads to hospitalisation of three

The importance of fire detection and alarm systems, which can prevent fatalities by warning people the moment a blaze starts, has been highlighted by an incident in the West Midlands.

According to the Birmingham Mail, three elderly men have been hospitalised following a fire in a block of flats in Wolverhampton in the early hours of this morning (October 27th).

Crews from West Midlands Fire Service evacuated other flats in the block as the region’s ambulance service rushed the three to hospital, one of whom was in a serious condition.

“When ambulance staff arrived, they found the occupants of the flat that was on fire outside. Ambulance staff gave them oxygen and treated them for the effects of smoke inhalation,” a West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesperson is quoted by the publication as saying.

It is not yet clear whether fire alarms sounded a warning to residents, but the incident underscores the need for the responsible person ensuring any detection systems are fully functional and regular fire risk assessments are conducted.

Meanwhile, a BBC probe recently revealed that the majority of Birmingham’s 224 tower blocks pose a fire safety risk to residents and need remedial work.