Denbighshire mum warns of fire dangers after son's death

Jun 17 2009 by Andrew Davies, Denbigh Visitor

Angharad Jones

A MOTHER who lost her son in a chip pan fire has talked about her loss – and warned others of the dangers.

Tammy Rodgers spoke of the tragic circumstances in which her son Sean died in his home in October 2007.

The 24-year-old left cooking unattended after a night out.

Mrs Rodgers was at the launch of a new North Wales Fire and Rescue Service DVD on Monday along with Sean’s two children.

The DVD highlights fire safety dangers around the home and encourages residents to register for a free home fire safety check.

Sean’s mother was joined by his ex-partner Kirsty Garrett and his two daughters, Sophie, 7, and Paige, 6, at the DVD launch at Rhyl Community Fire Station.

Mrs Rodgers said: “I’m happy to be supporting the launch of the DVD – I just hope it will stop people making the same mistake as us, thinking it will never happen to them. If this DVD saves just one life it will be worth it. Please take the time to check your smoke alarm – not a day goes by when I don’t think about Sean and everything we’ve lost.”

Richard Fairhead, Senior Fire Safety Manager for North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, explains: “The DVD, which will be played on the Multi Purpose Educational Vehicle at events across Wales over the summer, as well as being displayed on the front page of the website and being handed out to key target groups and partners, has been created to highlight dangers present in the home and reassure residents that home fire safety checks are quick, easy and hassle free.

“We felt that it was important to create a visual tool to help us get our messages across, and create images that would stay in the viewers mind. The DVD also includes a moving interview with Sean Bowers’ mother, Tammy. Seeing the damage and destruction fire can cause to a real life family really hits home. We hope that this DVD will encourage residents to think more about fire safety in their everyday routine, and pick up the telephone to register for a free home fire safety check.”

Sean was killed in the horrific blaze at his mum’s house in Penyffordd, near Ffynnongroyw – just two months after his partner died of cancer.

Sophie and Liberty’s mum, Kirsty, added: “The girls really miss their Dad – I’d appeal to everyone to take note of the messages in the DVD and realise that fire really can kill.”