Stamp out fires started by smoking on March 9th

pic caption: Terry Daniels and the Tobacco Control Partnership

More than 100 fires were started locally by smoking materials last year.

Now Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service (BLFRS) is helping to encourage people to “stub it out”.

No Smoking Day on 9th March will see BLFRS Community Safety Manager Terry Daniels and team joining an anti-smoking event at The Mall Shopping Centre in Luton.

“A carelessly discarded cigarette will smoulder and could lead to a fire overnight,” explained Terry, “and without a working smoke alarm to alert you and your family, you could be overcome by the fumes as you sleep. We ask people to think about that when lighting up a cigarette.”

The event at The Mall will be in partnership with the Luton Tobacco Control Partnership.

Many fires start in the kitchen when grills and pots are left unattended - or fat and oil spill from pans. February 21st sees the start of National Chip Week which is a celebration of the nation’s favourite food - but firefighters hope to encourage people to take care when preparing french fries at home.

“Fat and oil pans can so easily start a fire - we do advise people to use safer electric deep fat fryers or buy oven chips,” added Terry.

For more local fire safety information go to www.bedsfire.com