[
A TV soap opera this week highlighted the dangers of smoking and drinking at home, and removing batteries from a smoke alarm.
In Monday’s episode of Coronation Street, Peter Barlow’s flat caught fire after he fell asleep with a cigarette, after drinking. In the ensuing scenes, both he and his son were overcome by smoke and fumes, and were rescued by neighbours just before the fire and rescue service arrives. The episode ended with his son fighting for his life.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue collaborated with the producers in the making of the episode. Jim Owen, assistant county fire officer (fire safety) said: “We would like to thank the producers of Coronation Street for helping us to highlight the very real dangers that situations like this can put people in. Too many times firefighters are called to real life situations that mirror these dramatic scenes, very often with tragic consequences.
A Coronation Street spokesperson added: “Hopefully this highlights a very serious issue and will lead viewers to think about their own fire safety.”