Daughter encourages people to get out and stay out after her mum tragically died in a house fire

Last year, 77-year-old, Christine Hiscock sadly died in her home after attempting to tackle a fire by herself.

Christine, who lived alone at a house in James Street, Leek, and had attempted to put out the fire after finding her front bedroom ablaze in February 2024.

Speaking to us about the awful ordeal, Christine’s daughter, Kay said: “My mum had been made aware there was a fire by her smoke alarm and went upstairs to find the fire in her front bedroom.

“She’d gone downstairs and out into the garden to get a bucket to fill it with water to try and put it out but when she went back up, she got trapped by the smoke.”

Kay added: “My mum was from an era where she wouldn’t have wanted to bother anyone and would have tried to do anything and everything she could not to cause her neighbours any bother.”

“When we arrived outside mum’s house, smoke was billowing out of the upstairs window and there were fire engines, police cars and ambulances everywhere.”

A number of crews along with police officers and paramedics attended the scene but unfortunately, Christine died at the scene.

Head of Prevent, Protect and Partnerships, Ian Read said: “This is an awful incident in which a lady tragically lost her life.

“We understand that having a fire in your home is devastating and you’d want to protect your belongings and your livelihood, but your life is more important and you cannot be replaced.

“If anyone experiences a fire in their home, always get out, stay out and call 999 and wait for the firefighters. Never go back inside and take the risk of losing your life.

“Our crews are trained and have the right equipment to deal with the fire.”

Ian added: “Our thoughts are and remain with Christine’s family and we are thankful for them sharing their experience with us to help prevent this happening to others.”

Kay added: “My mum was the most beautiful, kind and lovely lady. She was a fabulous mother, mother-in-law, granny and friend. She enjoyed life and she was so loved.

“She was taken so tragically and as a family, we’ve had the worst year of our lives so we would just like to do anything we can to help prevent this happening to anyone else.”

For more advice, visit: https://www.staffordshirefire.gov.uk/your-safety/campaigns/get-out-stay-out/