Emergency services are investigating after a man died following a flat fire in Darlington early this morning (June 10).
Reports of a fire in Forcett Street in the town were first received at about 3.45am.
A man in his 60s was rescued from the scene, before being taken to hospital where he later died.
Two crews from Darlington and a third from Bishop Auckland attended, along with Durham Police and North East Ambulance Service.
A police cordon has been erected, while Durham Police and fire investigation teams remain in attendance.
A joint investigation has been launched by County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) and Durham Constabulary to determine the cause of the fire.
The incident is not being treated as suspicious.
“The thoughts of everyone at CDDFRS are with the family and friends of those affected by this tragic incident.”
“At tragic times like this, we are reminded of the dangers of fire and the reality that fire kills.
“As a service we aim to protect and educate members of our communities about the dangers of fire and we therefore, once again, issue our plea to every household – whether they be in a house, a flat or a caravan – to make sure you are checking your smoke alarms weekly.
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“If you don’t have smoke alarms – we can fit them for you as part of our free Home Fire Safety Visits.
“Nothing matters more to us than the safety of those who live in our communities, and we ask that you reach out to your neighbours and loved ones – particularly those who are older and living alone and offer to help them test their smoke alarms or help arrange a HFSV from their local fire crews.
“We all have a duty to look after one another so please do play your part in keeping communities safe.”
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