Firefighters issue safety warning
Firefighters from Rugby are urging residents to take more care when using candles or smoking materials after they were attended two serious house fires yesterday.
The two fires, one at St Georges Avenue, Kingsway and Yates Avenue, Newbold, caused substantial fire and smoke damage to both the properties and left one person needing medical treatment for smoke inhalation.
Station Manager, Mick Leach said:
“It is amazing that no one was seriously hurt or even killed. Both incidents are a strong reminder of how much care is needed when using naked flames such as candles or cigarettes in the home. There are a number of precautions that you can take, the most important is to have a working smoke alarm, so if a fire is started, you will get an early warning.“
Other precautions include:
· Candles / cigarettes: Put them on a heat resistant surface - Be especially careful with nightlights and tea lights, which get hot enough to melt plastic. TVs are not fire-resistant objects.
· Position them away from curtains - Don’t put candles/ cigarettes to near to curtains, other fabrics or furniture. Keep them out of draughts.
· Keep children and pets away - Candles should be out of reach of children and pets.
· Don’t leave them burning - Extinguish candles / cigarettes before you leave a room. Never go to sleep with a candle / cigarette still burning and never leave a burning candle or oil burner in a child’s bedroom.
· Double-check they’re out – Candles and cigarettes can smoulder and start a fire. Make sure they’re completely out.