Fire Officer Warns on Have-a-Go Fire Injuries

Leave firefighting to the professionals: That's the message from Kent Fire and Rescue Service after figures showed an increase in the number of people being hurt when trying to tackle fires in their homes.

Since 1 April this year 19 people have been injured by attempting to extinguish fires themselves. Some of the fires were caused by faulty electrical wiring or domestic appliances or by careless disposal of smoking materials. However, the majority of these fires, nine, took place in the kitchen and were the result of cooking accidents. KFRS Assistant Director Steve Griffiths said that this last figure was especially significant: "We are now entering the most hazardous time of the year for deaths and injuries from fire. People prepare more hot meals during the winter and especially at Christmas."

And yet that is also the time they can be caught off guard, added Mr Griffiths: "People are at their most relaxed during the holidays, perhaps due to an extra drink or two for the festive season. Overheated oil in chip pans, deep fat fryers or dirty ovens and grill pans along with unattended cooking are the main cause of cooking fires. A moment's distraction, especially if under the influence of alcohol, could find you faced with a serious fire that could take you home or your life.

"But if a fire does start, close the door to contain the fire. Get out of the building and stay out. Call the fire and rescue service."

Mr Griffiths said that there are a number of measures people can take to keep themselves safe. "Fit smoke alarms and check them regularly so you are ensured of an early warning. A sprinkler system will extinguish the fire as soon as it starts. And check the Kent Fire and Rescue Service website for more fire safety tips. The address is www.kent.fire-uk.org "

But, if all else fails, remember - there is no such thing as a safe fire. "Please don't suffer as these other people did," Mr Griffiths emphasised: "If fire strikes, remember: Get out. Stay out. Get us out."

Kent Fire and Rescue Service offers Home Fire Safety Checks which take about 30 minutes and include tips on night-time routines, cooking safely with oil or fat, the dangers of smoking materials, care with candles, electrical safety and planning escape routes in the event of fire as well as the fitting of, where necessary, a free ten-year smoke alarm. If you are interested in this free service please contact your nearest station or the Community Fire Safety Team for free on 0800 923 7000.