Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service, supported by the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust, will be marking the start of Boat Fire Safety Week (25-31 May) by holding a display at Devizes Wharf on Sunday (24 May).

The display, which will run from 10am to 4pm, will promote safety amongst the boating community, and it is hoped boat owners will take the opportunity to meet Fire & Rescue Service personnel and get advice on issues such as smoke alarms, cooking, fuel storage, flares, life jackets and general water safety.

Although boat fires are less common than fires on land, they can have devastating consequences when they do occur. Boats are often in remote locations with difficult access, and when a fire starts on board, it can spread very rapidly. That is why Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service is urging its boating population to check that their boats are equipped with the correct safety equipment. People who live on their boats are most affected by fire, but many incidents could be prevented if boat users take simple precautions.

Mike Matthews, case manager for Wiltshire East, who is organising the Devizes display, said: “Smoke alarms make a difference to the outcome of fires on boats, and we also recommend that all boats are fitted with a carbon monoxide detector. Anyone in doubt about the alarms they need should contact us for a free boat fire risk check - we are here to make sure your boat is as safe as possible.”

These checks offer boat users the opportunity to gain invaluable help and advice about how to identify potential problems before a fire starts and what to do if fire should break out. The key messages are: § Fit a suitable smoke alarm § Make a fire action plan § Take extreme care when refuelling with petrol or changing gas cylinders § Avoid using portable gas equipment onboard, where possible, and store all gas canisters in special gas lockers or open places where any leaks will flow overboard § Routinely check items such as battery terminals and fuse box connections for damaged strands or signs of overheating § Take care when doing repairs, and keep interiors well ventilated if you’re using adhesives, paints and spirit based products § Always keep your eye on a solid fuel stove when it’s lit, and try to avoid leaving the boat with the stove running Optical sensor alarms with hush buttons and ‘sealed for life’ batteries are recommended for boats, as are choosing alarms with a British Standard Kitemark or a LPCB Horseshoe mark, both signs of independent testing and approval. As with smoke alarms in the home, they should be tested regularly and should never be disconnected.

During the summer, firefighters will hopefully be patrolling stretches of the Kennet & Avon canal on bicycles to give boat fire safety advice to people moored on the waterway.

For further information about boating fire safety, please contact the Boat Safety Scheme on 01923 201278 or visit www.boatsafetyscheme.com/fire