Issued: 05.10.07
At: 12 Noon
For immediate release

FIREFIGHTERS WORK TO DRIVE DOWN FIRES IN
HIGH RISE BUILDINGS

On Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th October, firefighters from the City’s Central Fire and
Rescue Station will be stepping up their fire safety campaigns by concentrating their
community work in the Highfields area particularly focusing on people who live in
high rise accommodation.

With the festivals of Eid, Navaratri and Diwali fast approaching, the risk of fire in the
home greatly increases. As people spend more time celebrating with friends and
family, attention can lapse and fires can easily start whilst people are cooking or
using candles/divas.

Firefighters will be at Moat Community College on both days between 10am and 4pm
where they will be hoping to meet with residents living in high rise buildings and offer
free home fire safety advice. Crews will also be giving stark demonstrations on the
dangers of cooking with hot oil as well as other dangers within the home. Local
residents will also have the opportunity to book a free home fire safety check to
include the fitting of free smoke alarms. Translators will be available if needed.
Mick Lane, Watch Manager at Central Fire and Rescue Station comments: -
‘Over the last year we have attended a number of incidents at various high
rise buildings in the Highfields area and we are now very aware that a lot of
the people living in these blocks will be preparing to celebrate the festivals of
Eid, Navaratri and Diwali.

Therefore, we would like to use this opportunity to remind people of the risks
and of a few simple steps they can take to help protect themselves and their
family from the risks of fire: -

?? When using a Diva, treat it as you would any other flame. Use only enough
ghee to last your Puja. If you do need to leave the Diva or candle unattended,
make sure that it rests securely on a surface which will not melt or burn.
?? At all times, keep the flame at a safe distance from curtains, furniture and
decorations. Long hair and clothing (especially saris, chunris/chunis and
dupattas) are also very flammable.

?? When cooking deep-fry food, dry it before you put it in the hot oil. If the oil
starts to smoke, turn off the heat and leave the pan to cool. Never fill the pan
more than one-third full of oil. Never throw water over the pan.
I would also urge anyone living in a high rise building to ensure they have a
plan of what to do in the event of a fire. Make sure you have an escape route
in mind and never use a lift. People can also help by keeping escape routes
clear and ensure there is no rubbish in corridors or stairways that can easily
catch fire.

It’s also important that people fit their own smoke alarms even if the building
has its own fire alarm system, it will respond quicker and give you extra time
to escape.

I would like to encourage all residents in the area to come down on the day
and take steps to ensure they and their loved ones have a safe and happy
festive time’

- ENDS -
Notes to News Desk
Firefighters will be in the following locations at various times over the weekend: -
Gordon House
Clipstone House
Maxfield House
Goscote House
Framland House
Contact Information
For more information please contact
Karl Anderson
Crew Manager
Central Fire and Rescue Station
07734 276531
Amanda Kelly-Pike
Marketing and Publicity Co-ordinator
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service
Tel 0116 287 2241

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