Fire Service praises Exeter student

On the night of 13 January 2015, at 20:22 a serious fire developed in the second floor kitchen of Duryard Halls of Residence, Exeter University.

The fire originated in a microwave cooker and rapidly spread to the kitchen units. Soon the entire kitchen was fully enveloped, producing a significant volume of poisonous acrid smoke posing a very immediate and serious danger to life within the halls of residence.

On arrival crews from Danes Castle, Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service, were presented with a fully developed fire on the second floor kitchen with flames and smoke visible. The scenario they were faced with required the crew’s immediate attention and fast action to prevent the fire developing into a much more dangerous situation.

Nigel Deasy, Station Manager explained: “Tracy Le on hearing the fire alarm immediately went to investigate the cause and on discovering the fire put into action her Fire Marshall training to take charge of the situation.  Tracey instigated the full evacuation of the halls of residence and ensured that over 150 students were moved to a place of safety, whilst the fire service carried out its firefighting actions.”

This quick and decisive action taken by Tracy to lead the evacuation of the halls of residence greatly assisted the fire service in managing this incident effectively, contributing to the safe conclusion of the incident and so minimising the damage to the building.

Tracy’s actions deservedly merited the fire services commendations certificate which was awarded to her by Nigel Deasy, Station Manager with Danes Castle crews looking on.