North Wales Fire and Rescue Service is supporting Boat Fire Safety Week which is taking place between 25^th and the 31^st May.

The number of boat fires on our coastal and inland waters is relatively low.  However, when they do occur, they quite often have devastating consequences.

Crews from Llangollen and Chirk were called to a fire on a canal boat at 11.00pm on Saturday 24^th May on the canal in Trevor, Llangollen. Six people were on the boat at the time of the fire and one man was treated at the scene by ambulance. The cause of the fire was believed to be an electrical fault and there was damage to some wiring as well as light smoke damage to all of the boat.

Due to the remote location of moorings, the fire and rescue service, when called to deal with an incident, can experience difficulties in gaining access to the incident. On many occasions, these incidents result in the total destruction of the boat and to surrounding property.

Tips to help you to stay safe

By following some simple advice you can ensure your boating activities are a safe and enjoyable event:

• Make sure you know your boat and make a fire action plan with everyone in the boat.
• Fit a smoke alarm that meets British Standard BS5446 Part 1 and carries an approval mark such as 'kitemark'.
• Fit a gas and petrol vapour detector alarm in the bilge and even in the cabin space to give you early warnings of dangerous build-ups of explosive gases.
• Check all appliances are turned off and if possible, close the valve on the LPG cylinders before you go to bed or leave the boat.
• Never leave a burning candle unattended.  Make sure they are put out safely.
• Keep candles, matches, lighters and other sources of flame out of reach of children.
• Make sure cigarettes are put out safely - use metal ashtrays.  Avoid falling asleep with a lit cigarette - never smoke in bed.
• Never leave a hot hob unattended especially when cooking with oil or fat.
• Don't fit curtains or fabrics over hob burners and don't dry tea towels or clothes over a cooker or hob.