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News Release

Issued: 02.06.2009

At: 11.30 am

For immediate release

Extinguish the Fire Risk for Your Caravan Break

Summer is upon us! The combination of warmer, longer days and the swiftly approaching holiday season means that we are heading towards the busiest time for caravanning.

Staying in a caravan is a great way to enjoy the holidays and to take advantage of the summer weather, however, fire safety is one element that can often be overlooked.

“It’s a great time to take the family away on a short break or extended holiday”, John Webster, Community Safety Advisor, tells us.”

“In the last year, Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service attended ten fires involving caravans and if a fire does break out in a caravan or mobile home, it can become very serious. A fire can quite easily spread within a confined space, fed by the many flammable materials that are part of the structure of a caravan and its contents.”

“Whether they are used during the holidays or as a permanent residence, they can be made much safer, provided that the right fire safety precautions are taken. Always make sure that a smoke alarm is fitted and maintained, optical alarms are usually the most effective in caravans.”

There are many other basic ways you can help prevent a fire in your caravan, as well as through fitting a smoke alarm:

• Take special care when cooking – don’t leave pans unattended and clear the area after you’ve used them
• Turn off all appliances before you leave the caravan or go to bed
• Make sure ashtrays are made of a material that can’t burn – and never smoke in bed
• Never dry clothes over the stove or in the near vicinity of portable gas heaters
• Remove any litter and rubbish from near the caravan to reduce the risk of fire spreading
• Make sure the caravan is well ventilated, and air vents are never blocked, to avoid a build up of poisonous gasses

- ENDS -

Notes to News Desk

Interviews

John Webster, Community Safety Advisor, is available for interview.

To organise an interview, please contact Corporate Communications on the number below

Further Information

A FireKills Leaflet regarding Fire Safety Outdoors is available from the Firekills website. To see their leaflet, click here

Contact Information

For more information please contact:

Corporate Communications

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service

Tel 0116 287 2241