Kent
Warm weather prompts fire safety warning
- By Chief Editor
- Published 7 May 2008
- Kent
- Unrated
Kent Fire and Rescue Service is warning people to be extra careful not to start fires during the recent period of hot weather.
Dried out grass verges and hedgerows can easily catch light if people are careless with cigarettes or don't extinguish fires or barbecues properly.
Head of Community Safety Stuart Skilton said: “During warmer weather grass and crop fires can be serious problem for the Service and tie up a huge amount of our valuable firefighting resources. We want to encourage people to take care and think about what they’re doing. For example, drivers should refrain from discarding cigarettes through car windows while driving along as this, combined with dry grass verges and hedgerows, can easily lead to fires.”
He added: “Another major problem for us is children deliberately setting fires so, if you are a parent, we urge you to warn them of the dangers of fire, as well as keeping matches and lighters out of their reach.”
By following these important safety tips people can help to prevent fires starting in the first place:
• Don't discard cigarettes out of car windows as this can set light to grass verges and
grassland areas
• Don't light fires in the countryside or drop litter which could be set fire to
• Don't accumulate rubbish which can act as potential fuel for deliberate fire setters
• Contact your local district or borough council to arrange collection of unwanted furniture, or to report abandoned vehicles or fly tipped waste
• Extinguish bonfires and barbecues properly
• Keep matches and lighters out of the way of young children and remind them that they are not toys
• If you are a parent you are strongly advised not to leave youngsters to wander in the countryside unsupervised. Ensure that they are aware of the dangers of fire
• Report any information on fire setting activities and those responsible (anonymously if need be) to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Dried out grass verges and hedgerows can easily catch light if people are careless with cigarettes or don't extinguish fires or barbecues properly.
Head of Community Safety Stuart Skilton said: “During warmer weather grass and crop fires can be serious problem for the Service and tie up a huge amount of our valuable firefighting resources. We want to encourage people to take care and think about what they’re doing. For example, drivers should refrain from discarding cigarettes through car windows while driving along as this, combined with dry grass verges and hedgerows, can easily lead to fires.”
He added: “Another major problem for us is children deliberately setting fires so, if you are a parent, we urge you to warn them of the dangers of fire, as well as keeping matches and lighters out of their reach.”
By following these important safety tips people can help to prevent fires starting in the first place:
• Don't discard cigarettes out of car windows as this can set light to grass verges and
grassland areas
• Don't light fires in the countryside or drop litter which could be set fire to
• Don't accumulate rubbish which can act as potential fuel for deliberate fire setters
• Contact your local district or borough council to arrange collection of unwanted furniture, or to report abandoned vehicles or fly tipped waste
• Extinguish bonfires and barbecues properly
• Keep matches and lighters out of the way of young children and remind them that they are not toys
• If you are a parent you are strongly advised not to leave youngsters to wander in the countryside unsupervised. Ensure that they are aware of the dangers of fire
• Report any information on fire setting activities and those responsible (anonymously if need be) to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Cutting edge equipment puts Kent Fire & Rescue Service on the map
- By Chief Editor
- Published 29 Apr 2008
- Kent
- Unrated
Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) is set to demonstrate cutting edge equipment at a special exercise at Ashford Fire Station on 6th May.
The new equipment - known as Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS) and Positive Pressure Ventilation (PPV) fans – is designed to minimise the environmental impact of fire fighting and to improve crew safety.
Assistant Director of Community Safety Steve Griffiths said: “KFRS is recognised as innovator of modern and advanced fire fighting. As a forward thinking organisation, we are constantly striving to improve our service and provide value for money and as part of this have invested in life saving equipment that will help us provide the best service we can.”
Traditionally, firefighters use large quantities of water to extinguish fires. The adverse affects of which include: the impact it can have on water supplies; it creates steam which in turn causes more damage to property; the contaminated water “run off” from fires has the potential to enter water courses, causing further damage to the environment.
With the new CAF system, fire crews are able to mix very small amounts of foam with compressed air and water to make a large quantity of wet or dry foam to fight fires.
When used, the foam sticks to the material that is on fire, immensely reducing the possibility of “run off” from entering water courses. It also has less surface tension than water, so is quickly absorbed, suppressing and cooling fires faster than traditional techniques.
Steve said: “There are several benefits to investing in such equipment. Because the foam extinguishes fires much faster than using water, we can minimise crews exposure to fumes therefore improving their safety. We are then able to release appliances and firefighters from the scene of an incident much sooner, leaving us able to respond better when you may need us. In addition, because we are using considerably less water than we would do normally, it vastly reduces the detrimental effects a fire can have on local surroundings.”
The PPV fans are used to increase pressure inside fire hit buildings which, subsequently, drive out heat, smoke, gases and other products of combustion.
The fan typically provides a flow of cool, fresh air into a building, making it much safer for firefighters who may have to enter a building to tackle the fire within or if they had to rescue people trapped inside.
Steve said: “KFRS prides itself on being one the best fire and rescue services in the country. Investing these new pieces of equipment demonstrates our commitment to the health and safety of our staff and the people we serve and also proves KFRS as a pioneer of modern day fire fighting.”
The new equipment - known as Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS) and Positive Pressure Ventilation (PPV) fans – is designed to minimise the environmental impact of fire fighting and to improve crew safety.
Assistant Director of Community Safety Steve Griffiths said: “KFRS is recognised as innovator of modern and advanced fire fighting. As a forward thinking organisation, we are constantly striving to improve our service and provide value for money and as part of this have invested in life saving equipment that will help us provide the best service we can.”
Traditionally, firefighters use large quantities of water to extinguish fires. The adverse affects of which include: the impact it can have on water supplies; it creates steam which in turn causes more damage to property; the contaminated water “run off” from fires has the potential to enter water courses, causing further damage to the environment.
With the new CAF system, fire crews are able to mix very small amounts of foam with compressed air and water to make a large quantity of wet or dry foam to fight fires.
When used, the foam sticks to the material that is on fire, immensely reducing the possibility of “run off” from entering water courses. It also has less surface tension than water, so is quickly absorbed, suppressing and cooling fires faster than traditional techniques.
Steve said: “There are several benefits to investing in such equipment. Because the foam extinguishes fires much faster than using water, we can minimise crews exposure to fumes therefore improving their safety. We are then able to release appliances and firefighters from the scene of an incident much sooner, leaving us able to respond better when you may need us. In addition, because we are using considerably less water than we would do normally, it vastly reduces the detrimental effects a fire can have on local surroundings.”
The PPV fans are used to increase pressure inside fire hit buildings which, subsequently, drive out heat, smoke, gases and other products of combustion.
The fan typically provides a flow of cool, fresh air into a building, making it much safer for firefighters who may have to enter a building to tackle the fire within or if they had to rescue people trapped inside.
Steve said: “KFRS prides itself on being one the best fire and rescue services in the country. Investing these new pieces of equipment demonstrates our commitment to the health and safety of our staff and the people we serve and also proves KFRS as a pioneer of modern day fire fighting.”
'Watch out for kitchen fires' warn fire crews
- By Chief Editor
- Published 9 Apr 2008
- Kent
- Unrated
Firefighters are calling for Kent residents to take more care when cooking at home and to make sure appliances are never left on overnight to reduce the risk of fire breaking out in the kitchen.
In the last three years Kent Fire and Rescue Service has attended nearly 1,300 fires that started in kitchen ‘white goods’, and as a result one person lost their life, 135 people suffered injury and 43 people had to be rescued by fire crews from their homes.*
Cooking fires are still the most common cause of accidental fire in the home, with most occurring where cooking has been left unattended in the oven or grill or due to an item accidentally catching fire on a hot hob. However, around 180 blazes broke out when kitchen ‘white goods’ such as washing machines, tumble dryers, dishwashers and refrigerators overheated or developed a fault.
Only this weekend, an Ashford couple were victim of a tumble dryer fire but thanks to the fact that the property had working smoke alarms which alerted them to the blaze, damage was contained mostly to the dryer itself and the room it was in. The man suffered minor burns and both inhaled smoke from the blaze.
KFRS community safety officer Mick Smith said: “If this had happened during the night, it could have been so much worse, especially if smoke alarms hadn’t been fitted, and potentially fatal as the fire may have spread further undetected.
“I would strongly urge people not to leave appliances running overnight because if a fault develops and it catches fire while you sleep, you are less likely to discover the fire in time to get you and other occupants out safely.”
He continued: “Make sure smoke alarms are fitted and working in your home and if you have any appliances that are getting old I would recommend that you consider having them tested and maintained as they are potentially more at risk of developing a fault.”
Follow these safety tips below to help keep you and your family safe from fire in the home:
• Fit a smoke alarm on each level of your home. When a fire starts, you only have a few minutes to escape so an early warning is vital.
• Test it weekly. A working smoke alarm can buy you valuable time to get out, stay out and dial 999.
• Plan your escape route. Make sure you and your family know the quickest way out in the event of fire. Consider an alternative route in case your usual one is blocked.
• Stay safe in the kitchen. This is the area where most house fires start. It only takes a minute to check electrical appliances are switched off. Never leave cooking unattended and avoid build up of grease and dirt on cooking appliances.
• If a fire does start, close the door to contain the fire. Get out of the building, stay out and call the fire and rescue service.
• Ask the experts. Kent Fire and Rescue Service offer free home fire safety checks to identify potential fire risks and advise what to do to reduce or prevent them. The checks take about 30 minutes and include if required the fitting free 10-year smoke alarms.
To arrange a free Home Fire Safety Check or to find out more call Kent Fire and Rescue Service for free on 0800 923 7000 or visit their website www.kent.fire-uk.org.
*Kent Fire and Rescue Service figures between 1 April 2005 and 31 March 2008 for Accidental dwelling fires attended caused by white kitchen goods. Casualty figures include precautionary checks.
In the last three years Kent Fire and Rescue Service has attended nearly 1,300 fires that started in kitchen ‘white goods’, and as a result one person lost their life, 135 people suffered injury and 43 people had to be rescued by fire crews from their homes.*
Cooking fires are still the most common cause of accidental fire in the home, with most occurring where cooking has been left unattended in the oven or grill or due to an item accidentally catching fire on a hot hob. However, around 180 blazes broke out when kitchen ‘white goods’ such as washing machines, tumble dryers, dishwashers and refrigerators overheated or developed a fault.
Only this weekend, an Ashford couple were victim of a tumble dryer fire but thanks to the fact that the property had working smoke alarms which alerted them to the blaze, damage was contained mostly to the dryer itself and the room it was in. The man suffered minor burns and both inhaled smoke from the blaze.
KFRS community safety officer Mick Smith said: “If this had happened during the night, it could have been so much worse, especially if smoke alarms hadn’t been fitted, and potentially fatal as the fire may have spread further undetected.
“I would strongly urge people not to leave appliances running overnight because if a fault develops and it catches fire while you sleep, you are less likely to discover the fire in time to get you and other occupants out safely.”
He continued: “Make sure smoke alarms are fitted and working in your home and if you have any appliances that are getting old I would recommend that you consider having them tested and maintained as they are potentially more at risk of developing a fault.”
Follow these safety tips below to help keep you and your family safe from fire in the home:
• Fit a smoke alarm on each level of your home. When a fire starts, you only have a few minutes to escape so an early warning is vital.
• Test it weekly. A working smoke alarm can buy you valuable time to get out, stay out and dial 999.
• Plan your escape route. Make sure you and your family know the quickest way out in the event of fire. Consider an alternative route in case your usual one is blocked.
• Stay safe in the kitchen. This is the area where most house fires start. It only takes a minute to check electrical appliances are switched off. Never leave cooking unattended and avoid build up of grease and dirt on cooking appliances.
• If a fire does start, close the door to contain the fire. Get out of the building, stay out and call the fire and rescue service.
• Ask the experts. Kent Fire and Rescue Service offer free home fire safety checks to identify potential fire risks and advise what to do to reduce or prevent them. The checks take about 30 minutes and include if required the fitting free 10-year smoke alarms.
To arrange a free Home Fire Safety Check or to find out more call Kent Fire and Rescue Service for free on 0800 923 7000 or visit their website www.kent.fire-uk.org.
*Kent Fire and Rescue Service figures between 1 April 2005 and 31 March 2008 for Accidental dwelling fires attended caused by white kitchen goods. Casualty figures include precautionary checks.