Friday 23 March 2007 - 09.00 hrs
People living on houseboats in Bristol and Bath are being urged to
put their safety first and take advantage of Avon Fire & Rescue
Service’s free Home Fire Safety Visits.
As part of National Boat Safety Week (March 26-31) the service
is fitting free smoke alarms on board vessels in the area, as well
as offering safety tips and fire prevention advice.
Although AF&RS has visited thousands of properties to
install the alarms during free Home Fire Safety Visits in the Avon
area, the service insists people living on houseboats face just as
many, if not more, fire risks as their neighbours on dry land.
Kevin Pearson, Chief Fire Officer / Chief Executive of Avon Fire
& Rescue Service, said: “The number of boat fires in the Avon
area is relatively low, however, when they do occur they have
devastating consequences. These vessels are often moored in remote
locations that are difficult for us to reach; in many cases a
relatively minor fire can cause the total destruction of a
boat.
“Hopefully this week we can extend the Home Fire Safety Visit
work we have already been doing in thousands of homes across the
area, and provide people living on houseboats with free smoke
alarms which could ultimately save their life.”
Among the risks facing boat owners is the presence of liquid
petroleum gas installations or petrol cans which may be in close
proximity to ignition sources such as candles or cigarettes. There
are also dangers posed by solid fuel stoves, a familiar fixture on
many narrowboats and barges.
CFO / CEO Pearson added: “I would urge anyone whether they live on
a house boat or on dry land to call us on our freephone number and
arrange a free Home Fire Safety Visit.”
To book an appointment Avon Fire & Rescue Service can be
contacted free of charge on 0800 1693 999.