6th August 2007, 07/265
Firefighters' new vehicle more than a match for deliberate
fires!
Cold water will be poured on deliberate fires in West Lancashire
with the unveiling of a new community awareness vehicle to tackle
this burning issue.
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service has been given funding from West
Lancashire Community Safety Partnership (of which the District
Council is the lead agency) to launch this new initiative to help
prevent incidents.
The idea is that firefighters will take out this new van to hotspot
areas they are targeting for home fire safety checks in order to
provide a high visibility presence and a reassurance to
residents.
Cllr David Westley, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, said:
"It is the first time this type of pilot project has been
introduced in Lancashire to promote fire safety and reduce the
number of deliberate secondary fires, such as setting rubbish in
bins alight, and we are delighted to be supporting this. I'm
confident it will put a dampener on this type of behaviour and
promote fire safety."
Phil Cox, Community Protection Manager for Southern Area,
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, added: "The idea for this
vehicle came from firefighters at Skelmersdale Fire Station. They
are keen to make a difference in their community and we hope by
raising the profile of our service and of the wider Community
Safety Partnership, we can make West Lancashire a safer
place."
Areas where there have been high numbers of particular incidents
will be particularly targeted. For example, if there have been
several house fires in an area, the vehicle will be placed in a
prominent position highlighting these incidents and reminding local
residents of the free home fire safety checks and smoke alarm
fitting services.
The vehicle itself will be different to a normal fire engine but
will be easily recognisable and distinctive, as it will display
lots of useful posters, information and contact numbers.
Bill Taylor, Chairman of the West Lancashire Community Safety
Partnership, said: "The firefighters who first suggested this idea
should be applauded for their innovative thinking. I'm confident
the initiative will be a roaring success and should have a positive
impact across the district in providing a safer environment and
reducing deliberate fires."
For a free home fire safety check call freephone 0800 1691125 or
visit Lancashire Fire and
Rescue.
For more information about the work of West Lancashire Community
Safety Partnership, visit the Community Safety section.
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