FIREFIGHTERS and community safety teams have visited over 200 homes in Bolton following a tragic fire that killed three children and their mother on Saturday, July 8.
Over the weekend, Safe and Well Visits have been carried out and smoke alarms have been fitted in homes in and around Rosamond Street after the tragic incident.
The fire claimed the lives of Anisha Umerji, aged 40 and her children Hammad, aged 12, Yusuf, aged 10 and Khadija, aged five.
The father, named locally as Zubair, made frantic efforts to save his family after managing to escape the blaze.
Officers from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and Greater Manchester Police have been carrying out a joint investigation and it is now believed that the fire was caused accidentally by a halogen heater in the living room at the front of the house.
Four fire engines were called to a severe fire at the terraced house at around 9am.
Assistant County Fire Officer Tony Hunter, who was at the scene, said: “When anyone loses their life in a fire, it is devastating – but even more so when it involves young lives.
“Our deepest condolences go to the family, friends and the local community following this tragic incident. We are especially thinking of the father of the children who has lost his family in such terrible circumstances.
“This was a tragic accident and over the coming days and weeks we will be working hard to spread our safety messages and offer reassurance and advice to residents to try and make sure that this never happens again.”
Chair of the Fire Committee, Cllr David Acton, said: “Our thoughts remain with those affected by this tragic incident. Firefighters and community safety staff will be in and around the area of Rosamond Street over the coming days, offering safety advice to local residents, but you can help to protect yourselves by ensuring you have a working smoke alarm on every level of your home and thinking about your escape routes.
“Please ensure that you check electrical appliances, plugs and cables and that you don’t overload sockets. And if you have particular concerns about your safety, call GMFRS on 0800 555 815 to book a Safe and Well Visit.”
For further information about how to stay safe in your home, visit manchesterfire.gov.uk/fire_safety_advice/
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