Blazing a trail for firefighters (From Wiltshire Times)

Blazing a trail for firefighters

7:38am Friday 18th May 2007 in News By Helen Thomas

FIREFIGHTERS in Trowbridge are getting on their bikes to help spread the message about fire safety on boats.

This summer Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is targeting boat users on the canals to highlight the risks of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.

The brigade is the first in the country to use new mountain bikes, designed by Smith and Wesson, to access the towpaths and advise people on boats about fire safety.

Trowbridge Station Commander Sarah Allen said: "Boats are increasing in number in particular amongst the lower social economic group. People are starting to buy boats to live on because it is often a cheaper option. They are also used by holiday-makers. With home safety we are able to go out and knock on doors but with people living on the canal that's a lot more difficult because they're in a more remote area.

"The firefighters will be using the bikes to cycle up and down the towpaths and will be visiting boats like they visit houses for home safety checks. They can even fit them with smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors."

The firefighters can also carry portable DVD players with them so they can play safety DVDs to those on boats.

In the last year there have been two serious fires onboard boats in Wiltshire canals, including one in which a man died.

Mrs Allen said one of the main problems is that most boats store fuel, which creates a potential for fire and leads to rapid fire spread. Many boats do not have smoke alarms and if there is a fire it is often difficult to identify the exact location of the boat. She said there are about 500 boats between the Dundas wharf, in Limpley Stoke and Foxhangers, in Devizes, and the bikes will be used to deliver vital safety information to the occupants.

The bikes will also be used to get the fire safety message out to people in the wider community and will be used in big public events like the West Wiltshire Show and this year's Veterans' Day activities.

Mrs Allen said: "We are reaching out to the community and getting to more remote areas. The bikes are also environmentally friendly, don't cost anything to run and also keep the firefighters fit."

Firefighter Colin Owens said: "I think the bikes are a good idea. There's no reason why we shouldn't give safety advice to those on boats as well as houses. There have been two very serious fires on boats in the last year and what we are offering could have prevented them. It's a very positive thing. It'll definitely do me some good to do some cycling."

On May 26 members of the fire service will be officially launching the initiative at Bradford on Avon Wharf. Firefighters will be on their bikes and handing out leaflet packs, offering safety advice and information about free boat fire safety checks.