Fire Safety Can be Fun!
- Fiona
- Nov 11
- 3 min read
October's meeting had a very serious side, but who knew a fire safety talk could be as amusing as it was informative? Ben Applin, our Rural Engagement Officer for The West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service came to give us an incredibly important lesson in fire safety in the home.
It was a fascinating, at times horrifying, at times hilarious - but always an educational talk! Ben had a great sense of humour and we found ourselves laughing at the most inappropriate things, including a cat setting it's tail alight on an unattended candle - the cat was fine, the owner completely oblivious! He also told us about the fire crew whose brand new fire engine burst into flames and was destroyed by leaving a laptop on charge in the cab!
But hilarity apart, we were given some very important practical measures that we can now all take to reduce fire risks, particularly those associated with modern technology and everyday habits.
Sarah has very kindly put together a potted version of the talk, taking into account all the key points that Ben brought to our attention. Have a read, at the very least it will open your eyes, and at most it may save your life or that of a loved one.
One of the key areas discussed was the growing risk associated with lithium-ion batteries, now common in phones, laptops, tablets, e-bikes, and scooters. While incredibly useful, these batteries can fail through a process called thermal runaway, resulting in extremely intense fires that are difficult to extinguish. To reduce the risk:
Always use the correct charging cable
Charge devices during the daytime — never overnight
Avoid cheap or unregulated replacement batteries and conversion kits
Do not charge scooters or bikes in hallways, particularly overnight, as these areas are vital escape routes
We were shown a striking video of an electric scooter fire that consumed a hallway in under two minutes, a powerful reminder of how quickly things can turn dangerous.
We were also advised on the importance of proper battery disposal. Shockingly, on average one refuse truck a week is destroyed due to crushed batteries thrown into ordinary waste bins. Please ensure batteries are taken to recycling points.
More familiar safety messages remain just as important: Ensure you have smoke alarms on every floor and test them regularly, close internal doors at night to slow fire spread, and take care with candles — especially if you have curious pets!
Fire extinguishers can be helpful, but only if you are confident in how to use them and select the right type for the situation — using the wrong one can make things worse. We saw a video showing a small garage fire turn into an inferno by using the incorrect extinguisher.
So if a fire does occur, the guidance could not have been clearer: leave immediately and call 999. Do not attempt to tackle the fire yourself.
We were very pleased to learn that our local Fire Service recently achieved three years without a single house fire, thanks in part to the free Safe and Well Visits they offer to residents. They also run an annual programme to test electric blankets free of charge — a valuable service for anyone using one during the colder months.
Quite a few of the Bombshells signed up for a free Safe and Well visit... well who doesn't want a visit from a fireman in a fire engine? When my little boy and I had my visit some years ago we were lucky enough to have a fire engine ride around the block! Obviously I cannot guarantee you will have the same VIP treatment, but you never know your luck! Sign up below:
Safe and Well Visits: Safe and Well Visit - West Sussex County Council<https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire-emergencies-and-crime/west-sussex-fire-and-rescue-service/home-fire-safety/safe-and-well-visit/>
Finally, a point we might not have considered: emollient creams, particularly those containing paraffin, can leave flammable residue on fabrics. Clothing, bedding, and upholstery should be washed regularly at high temperatures, and creams allowed to dry fully before contact.
Summary
The session reinforced that simple precautions save lives. By adopting safe charging practices, maintaining alarms, disposing of batteries correctly, and staying alert to day-to-day fire risks, we can all contribute to a safer home and community environment. Some useful links appear below:
Biker Down: Biker Down Hub | Your Voice West Sussex<https://yourvoice.westsussex.gov.uk/biker-down-hub>
Safe and Well Visits: Safe and Well Visit - West Sussex County Council<https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire-emergencies-and-crime/west-sussex-fire-and-rescue-service/home-fire-safety/safe-and-well-visit/>
Comments