A LAUNCESTON family who had their kitchen destroyed by a fire last week are urging others to be vigilant about what appliances they have plugged in at home.

Nineteen-year-old Jordan Ellacott was at home alone on Race Hill when the smoke alarm sounded on Tuesday morning, May 1. While it was not immediately obvious to her what was going on as she couldn’t detect any smoke herself, she made sure she got her pet Chihuahua out of the house.

One of her cats was already outside, but she was unable to locate her other pet cat, Ash. Jordan and a passerby tried to go back in to find Ash but were unable to because they breathed in a lot of smoke.

Jordan called 999 at 10.19am, which she described as ‘quite a scary thing to do’, and said thankfully the fire service was on scene ‘within seconds’. They were able to rescue Ash and administer oxygen to her.

Jordan’s mother, Georgina, had been at work and was called home, and told the Post she realised the seriousness of the incident as she came down Race Hill, seeing numerous fire engines in attendance.

Georgina said: “If Jordan didn’t hear the smoke alarm she wouldn’t be here.”

She added the fire service investigation suggests the kitchen fire was caused by a tumble dryer, which was plugged in but not in use at the time. Georgina said: “We want everybody to be aware not to keep tumble dryers plugged in. You don’t think it would ever happen to you.”

She wants everyone to consider the electricals they have plugged in at home, and said it was frightening to see the damage the fire caused in a matter of ten or 15 minutes.

Jordan and Georgina also expressed their gratitude to the firefighters who dealt with the incident, for their kindness and compassion. Georgina said: “You don’t hear the praise they should get.” They have delivered biscuits and chocolates to Launceston Fire Station as a thank you to crews.

They also expressed their thanks to their ‘fantastic neighbours’ and others who helped during the incident. They are now living at Georgina’s mother-in-law’s home.

Firefighters from Launceston, Callington, Liskeard and Holsworthy attended the incident, where on arrival they found smoke issuing from the building.

Firefighters used four breathing apparatus, two hose reel jets, one safety jet and a thermal imaging camera to extinguish the fire.

Devon and Cornwall Police and South West Ambulance service were also in attendance.