Firefighters who controlled a blaze that involved two houses in Pevensey, after it started in a garden shed, said working smoke alarms resulted in the occupants finding safety.
At 03:11 on Tuesday morning (May 4), the alarm was raised about flames at a residential property on Maresfield Drive.
Crews from Pevensey, Eastbourne and Hastings attended.
Firefighters said the flames had begun in a garden shed, and had spread to a neighbouring shed.
Due to high winds, the fire was pushed towards two residential properties which in turn became involved in the fire.
Firefighters used eight sets of breathing apparatus, two hose reel jets and two jet hoses to extinguish the fire.
In both properties, residents were alerted to the fire by working smoke alarms.
They were therefore able to get themselves out, and to safety, before the fire took hold.
Three people were handed over into the care of SECAmb suffering from minor injuries.
A fire investigation was due to begin on Tuesday.
Simon Neill, Group Manager (East) said:
“The householders all had working smoke alarms which meant that when this incident happened, they were quickly alerted to the fire and were able to self-evacuate promptly.
"This shows just how important it is to make sure you have alarms on every level of your house.
"We can help you find the best place to put them, give you additional safety advice and in many cases, provide you with the alarms themselves.”
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service added:
- You are at least 4 times as likely to die in a fire at home if you haven't got a working smoke alarm.
- A smoke alarm is the easiest way to alert you to the danger of fire, giving you time to escape.
- They are cheap, easy to get hold of and easy to fit.
- The more alarms you have, the safer you'll be - as long as they are working - so make sure you test them weekly.
- You should have a minimum of one alarm on each floor. However, if you have only one alarm and two floors, put it somewhere you'll be able to hear it when you're asleep.
The service also reminded the public that free home safety visits are available.
Firefighters will offer advice and guidance on smoke alarms, where to place them and if required, fit smoke alarms in properties.
Their free contact number is 0800 177 7069, and their website is https://www.esfrs.org/your-safety/home-safety-visits/
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