Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

at 30/11/2004 12:54

A memorial darts tournament held at Penwithick Social Club on the 21st November has raised £195 for community safety and education activities in the St Austell area.

The darts tournament has been held every year by Mr T P Hopkins in memory of the three people who lost their lives in a house fire in Bugle on the 28th November 1997. Mr Hopkins is the father of one of the victims who tragically died in the fire.

Davinia Grist PR Officer explains: “St Austell firefighters are extremely grateful for the donation which was given to them by Mr Hopkins and his partner Mrs Uren last week. The charity match was supported by over 50 darts players and their generosity will greatly assist the station in its annual Lifeskills week which runs in June”.

She added: “The Lifeskills Week is a joint event involving Devon and Cornwall Constabulary, Westcountry Ambulance, Railtrack, Western Power, Restormel Building Control, RNLI, Eden Project, First Western National and Cornwall County Fire Brigade. The aim of the event is to teach children in local schools skills which could stop them getting hurt or injured for example: how to travel safely on buses, first aid and fire safety in the home including the proper use of candles”

The house fire in Bugle in 1997 was started by a candle. Candles should not be left burning unattended and should never be placed on top of a flammable object, like a television or a bath and near flammable materials like curtains
At this time of year the Fire Brigade is particularly vigilant about warning the public of the dangers of candles, as they are more ‘fashionable’ around Christmas.