Cheshire fire warning over Eid celebrations

Sep 29 2008 Chester Chronicle

CHESHIRE Fire and Rescue Service are urging the Muslim communities of Cheshire, Halton and Warrington to celebrate safely this Eid Ul-Fitr by distributing fire safety cards.

Staff sent out messages wishing those celebrating on September 30 and October 1 a happy and safe Eid in a bid to highlight some of the dangers surrounding the event.

The cards – with messages about safety guidance and advice have been handed out at Mosques and around the Muslim Communities.

Eid marks the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting, and there is potential for the numbers of fires to increase due to incidents relating to candles, tea lights and ornamental burners – all of which feature in these festivities.

Mark Cashin, Deputy Chief Fire Officer responsible for Community Risk Reduction said: “It is ironic and tragic that during periods of celebration there is a dramatic increase in the number of fires amongst many communities. It’s not only Eid, but we also see an increase at Christmas – it’s often that safety comes second to celebration.

“By taking just a few simple precautions you can greatly reduce the risks for yourself and your family. I would especially urge the celebrating communities to ensure they have a working smoke alarm installed on every floor of their home. If there is a fire, a smoke alarm will immediately warn you, giving you and everyone in your home time to escape to safety.”

The preparation of special celebratory meals and large amounts of cooking and entertaining in the home increases the risk of cooking fires, all communities are urged to take particular care when frying and using karahi’s.Š

These celebrating are also being encouraged to be careful with their clothing when cooking, as ornamental scarves, hijaabs, shalwar kameez and saris which are often made from highly flammable fabrics can be caught in naked flames or catch on cooking equipment.

For further advice on Home Safety Assessments and the fitting of smoke alarms visit www.cheshirefire.gov.uk.