The Clitheroe vertiser an Thursday, March 31st, 2005
Free smoke alarms save lives - yours!
by Faiza Afzaal
DURING the first three months of this year fire-fighters have been called to 14 house fires in Ribble
Valley homes. Not one had a working smoke alarm. The next call could be a fatality and
Mr Dave McGrath, station officer at Clitheroe’s retained station, is deter mined to hammer the message home that smoke alarms save lives. In partnership with leading fire con
trol operator Mr Jim Patrick and Emer gency Services Community Support Officer (ESCSO) Mr Karl Elliott, a campaign has been launched urging householders to install the potentially life-saving equipment in their homes.
Leaflets are to be delivered to homes throughout the borough from this week end.
Statistics have revealed that fire crews
were called to one house fire in January, four blazes in February and nine already this month. Speaking to the Clitheroe Advertiser
and Times, Mr McGrath stressed the importance of installing a smoke alarm —free of charge. He added: “The number of house fires
continues to rise and despite continuous warnings about the dangers of not hav ing smoke alarms, it is a very embar rassing situation for the householder when we arrive to find no batteries in the smoke alarm! “We have been called out to recent
fires where crews have rescued people a .
from smoke-logged homes without any smoke alarms. In such circumstances, it is very surprising that we are not deal ing with a fatality. “ I would basically like to hammer
home the message that having a smoke alarm fitted is absolutely FREE by call ing 0800 1691125. “Anyone can phone and if you do call
then you will definitely get a visit. You can phone 24 hours a day and appoint ments are made at the convenience of the caller/householder.” Similar views were shared by Mr
Patrick, who is one of the officers responsible for handling the calls made to Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service’s free phone help-line for fire safety advice. “During busy periods the helpline call
might not be able to be answered by control staff. In this case, the call will be connected to a voice-mail system.” Mr Elliott, along with his colleagues
Ox}-’
(ESCSO) Nigel Williams and Clare Pye have the responsibility of providing free home fire safety checks. They include providing free smoke
alarms and installing, where necessary; offering life-saving advice in the event of a fire, explaining how to make a fire escape plan for you and your family and by giving practical advice on identifying fire hazards. Our picture shows Mr McGrath (cen
tre) with Mr Patrick (left) and Mr Elliott.
(CR16/03/05/1) m y ' “
A FUN-FILLED Easter egg and bunny himt was enjoyed by children in Waddington over the weekend. Several hundred pounds were
raised by families who took part in the trail around the village, which started at the Coronation Gardens and led the hunters to the playing
! PHOTO: Sarah Hague Youngsters" chocolate bunny hunt spree
fields, where they enjoyed refresh ments. Organised by Waddington Sport, Social and Playing Field Committee, the event raised funds towards the refurbishment of the children’s play area. Pictured are “hunters” Jack and Luke Haworth. (S270305/5)
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