A MUM has praised her daughter's reactions after she called 999 after noticing smoke from a nearby flat fire in Wrexham. 

Two North Wales Fire and Rescue Service crews were called to the scene of a fire at a flat near Beeston Terrace on Cefn Road shortly before 6.30pm on Thursday (October 24). 

The block of flats was evacuated amid the incident - which was contained to the flat that the fire started in. Firefighters used a hose reel jet, breathing apparatus and a thermal imaging camera to tackle the blaze - which was out by 7.45pm. 

Two people were subsequently taken to hospital - including an elderly occupant with smoke inhalation. The other person was taken to hospital as a precaution, NWFRS said.

Annika-Starr Humphreys, 16, was at home when the fire started. After hearing the smoke alarms going off and noticing the blaze when looking out the window, acted quickly and called 999. 

Annika (left) and Alexandra (right). Annika (left) and Alexandra (right). (Image: UGC) Annika's mum, Alexandra Maguire Rippon said she was "very proud" of how her daughter acted.

She said: "My daughter heard the smoke alarms going off and went to the kitchen window, where she saw someone in the garden and then she saw the fire from the window and phoned 999. 

"She then phoned her dad, who was out at the time and he ran all the way back and took over the phone call.

"People downstairs were shouting that they had to get out and Annika said there was too much smoke, but thankfully a lady helped her get downstairs to get out with her dad.

"I was very proud of her acting the way she did."

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The fire service confirmed the cause of the incident was accidental - due to a lithium bike battery, and have issued advice to residents in an attempt to prevent further incidents. 

A spokesperson for North Wales Fire and Rescue said: "Last night we were called to a fire at a flat in Wrexham involving an e-bike battery.

"Did you know that lithium-ion batteries that are used for e-bikes and e-scooters can cause fires? Take these steps to protect yourself from fire risks:

  • Get professional guidance when converting a bike into an e-bike.
  • Use manufacturer recommended batteries and chargers.
  • Only buy from trusted sellers."