A BALLYBOGEY couple had a lucky escape after a burning lump of coal shot from their fire and set their home alight, a leading fire officer has said.
A man required hospital treatment for the affects of smoke inhalation following the early morning incident last Tuesday.
It is believed the pair had been asleep at the Ballyrock Road property when the woman was wakened by a smoke alarm shortly aft
er 5am.
She ran downstairs where she found the man asleep on the sofa. A rug situated just feet away from where he was lying was charred and other furniture close-by sustained scorch damage.
Both managed to flee the smoke-filled property prior to the arrival of the emergency services.
Station Commander at Coleraine, Andy Deal, who was in charge at the scene, said the couple were lucky to be alive.
"There was a fireguard present but a lump of coal the size of your hand shot out onto the rug," he said.
"It landed literally feet away from where the man was lying and fortunately smouldered rather than flared up.
"They were very fortunate it wasn't more severe."
Mr Deal said the house was heavily smoke logged and said he had no doubt the presence of a smoke alarm had greatly enhanced the pair's chance of survival.
"It was a lucky escape for both parties," he said.
A total of 15 firefighters, three fire engines and an ambulance attended the scene.
The man was taken to the Causeway Hospital in Coleraine for treatment.
Watch commander of Ballymoney Fire Station, Michael Thompson, said the incident was a timely reminder of the risks fire can pose.
"As we approach Christmas more and more people are using candles, particularly scented ones, which can prove a real fire hazard if left unattended.
"Anyone using them should make sure they are not in close proximity to anything which could catch fire and never go out or go to bed without checking they are out."
With the credit crunch continuing to bite hard many people are choosing to light fires in order to heat their homes.
Mr Thompson appealed to anyone planning on doing so to first have their chimney cleaned and to ensure they use a fireguard at all times.
"Most importantly of all, everyone must check their smoke alarms regularly to ensure they are in working order," he added.
"More times than enough these have saved people's lives. If you haven't got one you must do so.
"Don't put your family's lives at risk for the sake of a fiver."
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