Firefighters lead two to safety thanks to new 'smoke hoods'

Two women were led to safety from a fire in Wilmslow Road, Manchester, in the early hours of the morning, (April 11) thanks to new specialist ‘smoke hoods’.

Shortly before 4.00am, crew from Moss Side, Gorton and Withington attended reports of a fire that had originated in bins outside a row of shops. The fire quickly began to affect the flats above and two occupants were trapped by smoke.

Firefighters fitted the women with smoke hoods and led them to safety.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) purchased smoke hoods following learning from large scale fires, including Grenfell Tower, and they are now on every fire engine in Greater Manchester.

Ben Levy, Area Manager for GMFRS said: “Firstly I want to thank our crews who worked quickly and professionally to prevent this incident from escalating. 

“Their quick thinking allowed them to deploy the smoke hoods and lead two occupants to safety as their flat and subsequent escape route had become filled with smoke.

“This incident is a great example as to how we have adapted to the new equipment available and it has potentially saved two lives today.”

Firefighters also used breathing apparatus and hose reels to bring the fire under control.

The cause of the fire is believed to be accidental.

Article Published: 11/04/2020 14:23 PM