BATTERIES costing as little as 69p each could have prevented a relaxing Saturday afternoon turning into a scene of terror and chaos when fire trapped two people on the top floor of a three-storey home.

The two smoke detectors in the house failed to raise the alarm – because neither had batteries fitted.

It meant that two people were trapped in smoke so dense they could not find their way out of the terraced house in Penryn Avenue, Fishermead.
Firefighters were left with no choice but to make a dramatic rescue using a 13.5-metre ladder to bring the pair to safety.

It later emerged the rescue was complicated by another factor – with potentially tragic consequences.

One of the pumps intended for use at the fire was diverted to another incident – which turned out to be a hoax call.

A Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "We always reflect on what a close thing these incidents are – it was a really narrow escape. Luckily, the residents escaped serious injuries and were treated for the effects of smoke inhalation at the scene. But it really could have been much worse."

The blaze, at about 2pm, is believed to have started in a pan on the cooker.

Ironically, Saturday's blaze coincides with the fire service's relaunch of its Pull Your Finger Out initiative to remind people to check their smoke detectors every week.

The month-long campaign features a series of TV advertisements with Julie Walters.

For information, visit www.bucksfire.gov.uk and look for the Pull Your Finger Out link.