Pet Forum / Mammals / Rats / July 2006

http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/viewarticle.aspx?id=394107

Rat saved my life!

By Dave Gudgeon

CARLISLE lifeguard Derek Banks is only alive today thanks to his pet rat.

The 27-year-old was just 15 minutes from death this morning after turning on
his chip pan and falling asleep after a night out with pals.

Smoke quickly filled the kitchen of his flat in John Johnston Court,
Harraby, and spread into his living room where he was slumped on the sofa.

But his pet rat, named Ratface, saved the day by squealing so loudly she
woke him up.

Derek, who works at the Center Parcs holiday complex near Penrith, said: "I've
got her to thank for being here today.

"I got home last night after drinking with friends and put the chip pan on.
I then went in the living room to watch TV and obviously fell asleep.

"The next thing I remember was Ratface screaming. The place was full of
smoke and I got out and rang the fire brigade.

"I think I've learned a lesson from this," said John, who is originally from
Clydebank in Scotland.

George Sanson, watch manager with white watch at Carlisle fire station.
said: "Derek is very lucky. His flat might be badly damaged but he was only
15 minutes from death.

"He is lucky that Ratface's cage was higher than him and she was able to
wake him.

"The lesson for everyone is to have smoke alarms fitted and to get them
checked on a weekly basis. We will fit them free."

Carlisle firefighters, who were called to the scene at about 2.45am, dealt
with the cooker fire using one hose reel.

Anyone wanting further information on smoke alarms should ring freephone
number 0800 3584777.