Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

n/a at 12/11/2002 15:01

With Britain facing its first national fires strike in 25 years starting at 6.00 pm tomorrow, Cornwall’s Chief fire Officer Mick Howell has reminded everyone in Cornwall that each one of us has a role to play in ensuring local lives are not put at risk.

A regional press conference planned for tomorrow morning is expected to give information on contingency fire cover arrangements across the South West. At that point Mick Howell will be able to discuss Cornwall’s plans in more detail. He says, “Discussions with the Home Office and the military have continued in recent weeks, and we now have firm plans in place for providing the best fire cover possible in these unusual circumstances.”

“It is important to remind people that the 24 hour 999 telephone service remains in place. But everyone in Cornwall can play their part in making sure resources are not over-stretched by being extra vigilant about road and fire safety.”

Last year Cornwall had an average of 23 road accidents a month requiring Fire Brigade attendance. The County Council’s Road Safety Unit points out that excessive speed in urban areas is by far the greatest factor, so it is more important than ever that motorists observe speed limits and drive appropriately for the road and weather conditions.

Road Safety Officer Paula Wellings says, “At a time when the Fire Brigade may have less resources to deploy, let’s all try extra hard to reduce the number of collisions. This means killing your speed, and properly evaluating stopping distances, especially in wet weather. Even pedestrians can help by making sure they are clearly seen.”
Fire officers say there are particular fire safety issues which characterise this time of year, so apart from the usual advice to check smoke alarms (or to fit them now if your house doesn’t have any) and to discuss your family’s fire escape plan, they want to highlight that:

n People should be cautious with open fires, gas, bar electric or paraffin heaters – these first cold snaps mean they are often lit for the first time in months. Never leave them unattended, and check now that they are serviceable and that chimneys have been swept.

n As we near Christmas seasonal parties and events, make sure children are not left unsupervised with matches, fireworks or candles.

n Be neighbourly - check that elderly or vulnerable people are not at risk. Offer help with fitting smoke alarms, or checking the state of heaters, cookers and electrical items. Chip pans, old electric blankets, oil lamps and candles are all serious fire risks.

County Council Executive Member for Public Protection Jill Ferrett adds, “This dispute is not a local issue, it is about national pay bargaining. But the amount of pressure applied to the emergency services during this time IS a local issue, and each and every one of us must look at our driving habits and think extra hard about fire safety.”

Fire Chief Mick Howell adds, “Cornwall always responds magnificently in times of difficulty, and I know we can rely on local people to help by being especially careful and creating a safer place for themselves at home and at work. This is important at all times but will be particularly important during this period”.