Alderney resident Pat Swift is advising islanders to have smoke alarms fitted in their homes. (1015302)

A ST MARTIN’S resident has narrowly escaped what could have been a disastrous house fire Pat Swift says her historical Connaught Square property and possibly those of her neighbours were saved by two smoke alarms which alerted them to the danger.

Wanting them to be ready for her return, Pat put some potatoes on to boil before setting off for church on Sunday – but then forgot about them.

‘After church we went to a friend’s house for coffee and didn’t get back until one o’clock. When we arrived Eileen Mignot and some other neighbours were outside. It turns out the smoke alarm had sounded at midday and that my neighbours had been trying to call people who they thought I might be with.’

Two police officers entered Pat’s home through an upstairs window. They checked no one was in the property before disengaging the alarms and locating the potato pan.

Pat says the alarms saved her house and possessions.

‘If it hadn’t been for them no one would have known – Connaught Square is quiet on a Sunday morning.

‘We could have been in very big trouble. These houses are precious and part of our history. The whole street could have gone up, even though the walls are thick.

‘Thankfully the alarms went off and the saucepan I used was copper-based. A different pan could have melted and made the situation worse.

‘This is a message and the moral of the story is that you’ll come to no harm if you have a smoke alarm.’

Pat’s daughter, Fiona Po’, who was visiting from London with son Alexander, said: ‘If we hadn’t had an alarm who knows what would have happened. The house would have been a melting pot. A lot of people don’t have alarms and they need to realise the risks.’

Pat said she hoped local people would invest in alarms.

‘I have two in my house – one upstairs and one down. I am sure everyone involved will get a message from this. It was quite scary, especially when you think what could have happened.’

She went on to thank her neighbours.

‘They were so good, as were the police, who responded rapidly. Almost everyone stopped me in Victoria Street the day after to ask how things were. It’s the beauty of living in Alderney and being part of a tight-knit community.’

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THE cat pictured left is looking for a new owner after being found in Victoria Street during Alderney Week.

Veterinary nurse Jeanette Bathgate described the animal, which hasn’t been named, as a friendly young female but said it was not clear whether the animal had been spayed.

l Anyone interested in re-homing the cat should contact Alderney Animal Welfare Society on 822616.