Residents evacuated after fire service called to Leighton Buzzard care home
Residents were evacuated after the fire service was called to a care home in Leighton Buzzard.
The incident at Leighton Forest care home on Plantation Road at around 7.30pm on Sunday, February 2, according to Bedfordshire Fire & Rescue.
But while the fire service says 34 residents were evacuated from the home, director Georgio Loizou told the LBO it was just 10.
He said: “Only those in closest proximity to the affected corridor needed to be moved as a precaution. This targeted, horizontal evacuation ensured resident safety while minimising disruption for others.
“The evacuation was completed swiftly and calmly. Attending fire officers commended the team, stating: “The evacuation was complete by the time we arrived,” and adding that “the staff did everything correctly.””
He added: “Fire officers investigated the source of the smoke and confirmed the cause to be an overheated light fitting. This resulted in a smouldering effect that produced smoke and minimal, localised charring. There were no open flames at any time.
"As a precautionary measure, fire officers used a CO₂ extinguisher to ensure there was no residual heat and to assist with clearing smoke from the area.”
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue said: “Crews cut away the first-floor ceiling to expose smouldering rafters and used one hose reel, two thermal imaging cameras, small tools and a triple extension ladder to extinguish the fire. Positive pressure ventilation was used to clear smoke from the building.”
According to the care home, the fire service confirmed there were no wiring faults and that the issue was isolated to the light fitting unit itself. Pressbeau has since contacted the manufacturer to confirm that there are no recalls or known issues associated with the model in use.
Georgio added: “Throughout the process, residents were excellent, remaining calm and followed staff guidance, which helped the precautionary evacuation run smoothly and safely.
“While this was understandably concerning, the response from the Leighton Forest team was exemplary, with procedures followed precisely and resident safety maintained throughout. We would like to thank the fire service for their prompt and professional attendance as well as our own staff and residents.”