Winter Fire Safety Warnings

Playing with a lighter almost cost a Hamilton man his life, while a man is in a critical condition in hospital after his tent caught fire.

Two serious incidents in 24 hours that could have been avoided had some simple rules been heeded, says Hamilton fire chief Gary Talbot.

In the first incident firefighters rescued a man from a burning house in Avon Street, Frankton. The fire, caused by a young person playing with a lighter, could easily have ended in tragedy.

It was pure luck that the Hamilton fire engine had already been on the road and was close at hand when it was diverted to the 111 fire emergency

Later the occupant of a tent in East Street, Enderley, received life-threatening burns when the tent caught fire. He is now in a critical condition in hospital

Gary says matches and lighters need to be kept well out of childrens reach.

And if you are living in temporary accommodation, such as a tent or caravan, please be very, very careful, particularly with winter coming on.

This time of year it is starting to get cooler at night and people need to be very careful as to how they keep themselves warm and comfortable. Tents are simply not designed or intended to have electrical appliances, heating devices or candles in them.

Gary says that correctly installed, working smoke alarms and practiced escape plans are the first line of defence for people living in any form of accommodation.

Know how to call the Fire Service by dialing 111 then get out, close all doors behind you, then stay out.

Pre-winter is a good time to do a fire safety check of your house, especially electric blankets, chimneys and fire places to ensure they are safe to use once winter arrives.

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