Promoting fire safety on the K&A
THIS week a fire service boat safety advisor will be calling on liveaboards on the Kennet & Avon Canal, to offer advice on fire safety on boats and give out smoke detectors.
As regular readers of narrowboatworld will realise, there have been a number of fires along the waterway recently, and Wiltshire Fire Service people have realised the dangers, and hope to give advice that will prevent further boat fires, Alan Tilbury reveals.
Most vulnerable
Though this is not the first time such a scheme has been in operation, it is the first time it has been undertaken in winter, targeting liveaboards, who are of course the most vulnerable at this time of year.
It is Boat Safety Advisor Rob Buckland who will visit boaters from today (Tuesday) until Saturday, calling on as many as he is able, giving advice on all matters of safety, but particularly the prevention of fires.
Smoke alarms
For those without smoke alarms, he will be giving these out free, and advising the best place to install them and their maintenance.
Any boaters on the waterway who would like advice or a visit can get in touch with Rob on 07734 483880 or email
Take up the option
The Boat Safety Scheme advises any boater to take up the option of having a Boat Fire Risk Check by the local Fire and Rescue service, and Rob McLean of the BSS tells us:
"Of what we have heard from boaters who have had a visit from a fireman, the boat owners have learnt several useful points and where no smoke alarm is fitted, the fire service offer one for free. The subjects for discussion are mainly about cooking habits, smoking risks, using fuels (e.g. the disciplines of controlling stray petrol vapours when refuelling generators), escape plans, electrical safety routines, safe use of solid fuel stoves, etc."