A 45-year-old man from Chennai, India had no qualms saving the life of his wife even if it costed his life. In an ultimate sacrifice, he rescued his wife from their burning house in Vallur near Minjur on Thursday last.
“Police said Irshath Mohammad’s wife Mumtaj was engrossed in burning waste material to drive away mosquitoes at their house when her clothes accidentally caught fire and she was soon enveloped in flames,” a report by the Times of India said.
READ: Fire Safety Tips for the Family
“Mohammad rushed to her side and tried to douse the flames and in the process suffered severe burns.”
The couple cried in agony as flames continued to lick their skin. Thankfully, their neighbours heard them and immediately called the police for aid.
Despite being rushed to the hospital, Mohammad succumbed to his burns, while his wife Mumtaj remained at the hospital recovering from her injuries.
What do do in case of fires
Summer is fast approaching, while this in itself is not a cause for concern, this year will be particularly hot due to the threat of an El Niño. Summer heat can easily cause things to combust. The smallest of fires can easily grow and burn houses to the ground.
Humberside Fire and Rescue Service offers these tips on what to in case of a fire:
- Don’t delay to save valuables or look for pets
- Don’t investigate the fire
- Crawl on the floor if there’s smoke — the air is cleaner near the floor
- On the floor, put your nose as low as possible — remember, smoke is toxic and can kill you
- As you go out, only open the doors you need to and close any open doors you can to slow the spread of the fire
- Feel doors with the back of your hand before you open them, if they’re warm, don’t open them — the fire is on the other side
- If you’re escaping with others, stay together if you can
If your clothes catch fire
- Don’t run around — you will fan the flames and make them burn faster
- Lying down makes it harder for the fire to spread and reduces the effect of flames on your face and head — flames burn upwards
- Smother the flames — cover the flames with heavy material, like a coat or blanket; this blocks the fire’s supply of oxygen
- Roll around — rolling smothers the flames
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