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FOLLOWING  two  incidents in separate areas of Greater Manchester  on Thursday April 5 where children have been seriously  injured by fire, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) are urging parents to remember fire safety as their children enjoy the Easter holidays.

In one incident a five year old girl from Brandlesholme , Bury was burnt when the dress she was wearing is thought to have brushed against a gas fire in the living room of her home, igniting it .

The girl's mum reacted quickly, extinguished the fire and called the emergency services, realising her daughter had been burned she tried to treat her by wrapping her in a damp towel.

Fire crews who arrived at the house applied burns dressings to the girl's injuries and her treatment was then continued by NWAS paramedics - who took her to hospital for further treatment.

In a separate incident in Ince, Wigan fire crews were called to an incident where a 4 year old boy was injured by a fire involving a mattress in the bedroom of a terraced house.

A women and three children had escaped from the terraced house before the fire service arrived, and the crews confirmed the fire had been extinguished. The boy was then taken to hospital for further treatment.
The cause of the fire is now the subject of an on-going investigation, but an early indication is that the fire may have been started by one of the children playing with a barbeque type lighter.

Peter O'Reilly , Director of Prevention and Protection for GMFRS said: " The Easter  bank holiday  break is a busy time for all families, particularly those looking after young children, when it's easy to get distracted.

"We would urge all parents to remember fire safety around the home, don't let this Easter be memorable for all the wrong reasons".

For more information about safety from fire in your home or to arrange a free Home Safety Check visit    www.manchesterfire.gov.uk/fire_safety_advice.aspx  or call 0800 555 815.

Last update: 06/04/2012 14:02:52