Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

St Ives at 28/09/2006 12:44

Fire Safety Officers have been talking to businesses in St Ives following two serious restaurant fires in the town in the last six months.

The officers have been targeting restaurants, cafes, takeaways and public houses and speaking to the managers about keeping their establishments safe from fire.

“The main area we have been talking to people about is the kitchen - in particular cooker extraction systems. Managers need to be aware that they require regular servicing and maintenance, not just the filters but every part of the system including the trunking” said Sub Officer Shaun Roberts

After giving their practical advice the officers left information in connection with extraction systems and the introduction of the new Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 which comes into effect from the 1st of October 2006.

“The fires in St Ives started in the kitchens and had the potential to be life-threatening. Unfortunately it is not until something like this happens that people pay attention to being fire safe. We are using the opportunity to promote our messages” said Sub Officer Simon Gregor

Cornwall County Fire Brigade is also putting together a leaflet which will be made available to all eating establishments across Cornwall. For free fire safety advice please call 0800 3581 999. For any enquiries in connection with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 please call:
• West Division fire safety department - 01326 212412
• Central Division fire safety department - 01726 72582
• East Division fire safety department - 01208 72312

Note to editors: For further information please contact: Davinia Grist on 01872 322785 / 07773 342905.