Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

at 07/01/2010 13:19

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service is reminding people to keep fire safety in mind whilst trying to keep warm during the current cold snap.

Mark Smith, Crew Manager for Prevention said: "People need to be aware of the added danger of fire around the house as we try to keep our homes warm during the cold weather. This can range from chimney fires and other dangers related to the use of open fires, to checking electric blankets for signs of damage to the electrical insulation which could cause a short circuit and start a fire. When using candles, tea-lights or scent burners, these should be positioned in a suitable holder and away from any ignitable items."

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service is advising people using an open fire to take extra care. Mark says: "There have been examples of householders drying out wood on or too close to wood burners or open fires and that wood itself poses a fire hazard as it dries out. There have also been instances of washing being dried too near to open fires or other heat sources and that being the cause of a fire."

The advice from Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service is:-

Sweep the chimney before use.

Ensure a fireguard is in front of the fire at all times.

Spark/fireguards can prevent a serious property fire.

Extinguish the fire before going to bed or leaving the house.

Never use ignitable fluids to light the fire.

Make sure you have a working smoke alarm and regularly check it.

Mark comments: "As the credit crunch starts to bite and fuel bills rise, it seems that more people are using open fires and wood burners. It is very important to be extra careful especially when there are children and pets in the room."

Visit the Service's 'fire safety in the home' page on chimney fires for much more detailed information on protecting your home and how to find a registered chimney sweep at www.cornwall.gov.uk/fire

If you have any concerns about fire safety, advice is free and easy to obtain. Telephone 0800 3581 999 or send an email to fire@cornwall.gov.uk

Related item: http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=7278