A MAN was hospitalised after being rescued from a smoke-filled flat in St Helier last night – just hours before firefighters tackled a “severe” blaze at a garage in St Brelade that took four hours to bring under control.
Two fire engines and nine firefighters were called to a terraced property containing three flats in St Helier at around 8.30pm on Saturday, following reports of an alarm sounding and smoke in the corridor.
Unable to gain entry through the front door, crews used a ladder to enter through a window, where they found a man unconscious in a smoke-filled room.
He was rescued and given first aid before being taken to hospital as a precaution for smoke inhalation, while firefighters wearing breathing equipment extinguished a small fire in the kitchen.
In a statement, Watch Commander Richard Ryan said access to the property had been made difficult by vehicles parked in restricted areas and urged Islanders to keep emergency routes clear.
“It’s vital that access routes are kept clear at all times so crews can reach emergencies without delay,” he said.
He added that a working smoke alarm had made “a real difference” by alerting the occupants and ensuring a quick call to the Fire and Rescue Service, and reminded Islanders of the dangers of leaving cooking unattended.
“Even a small fire can develop quickly and lead to serious smoke inhalation or damage,” he said.
Just a few hours later, firefighters were called to a second incident in a residential estate in St Brelade after multiple 999 calls reported a garage “well alight”, with the fire spreading to nearby vehicles and properties.
Crews arrived to find a detached garage fully involved in flames and producing heavy smoke from combustibles inside.
Two firefighters in breathing apparatus used a hose reel to tackle the blaze, while another crew deployed a water jet to protect surrounding buildings and vehicles.
Residents were advised to stay indoors and close windows due to the smoke, while police secured the area and paramedics remained on standby as a precaution.
The operation – which was described as “severe” – involved 22 firefighters at its height and took around four hours to bring under control.
Crews later handed the site over to the occupier, Island Energy and the Jersey Electricity Company to ensure the area was safe.
Watch Commander Ryan thanked residents for their “patience and cooperation while crews worked to bring the fire under control.”
“Their quick actions and understanding helped ensure the safety of everyone in the area,” he added.
The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.
