Jump to main content

News & Events

Home » News & Events » 2019 » July » Boat fire safety is not ‘messing about on the river’

Boat fire safety is not ‘messing about on the river’

in News

Boat fire safety is not ‘messing about on the river’

Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) is reminding boat owners and users that boat fire safety should be a priority so that people can enjoy the pleasure of the rivers and canals.

In the last 24 hours, HWFRS has responded to two incidents at Upton upon Severn, involving five moored boats – including a fire that needed the crews of seven fire engines and two boat rescue teams to extinguish. Three casualties were taken by air ambulance to hospital.

Between 1 April 2009 and 31 March 2019, there were 28 boat fires in the HWFRS area. Half of these incidents occurred on motor yachts or other water craft while there were six incidents on barges, and five on houseboats.

Boat owners need to consider the installation of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, the safe use of generators, portable gas appliances, and solid fuel stoves, as well as electrical safety, and crucially petrol safety.

Group Commander Mick Cadman of HWFRS reminded boat owners that: “During hot weather, fuel needs to be handled with extra care as even a small spillage can create a large amount of vapour that can easily be ignited by any spark or flame.

“While boat fires are relatively infrequent in our Service area, this week’s incidents show that they have the potential for devastating consequences and so we would urge all boat users to do everything they can to stay safe.”

For more information: http://www.hwfire.org.uk/water

Ends

pr054.boatfiresafety2.CR.jul19.jaa (ACMP)