The need for fire doors

Fire doors can save lives and prevent fire from spreading with devastating consequences.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service is supporting Fire Door Safety Week (15th – 21st September) by raising awareness around the critical protection the specialist doors provide.

Crews are very aware of how fire doors can prevent a fire from spreading following a blaze earlier this year in Tarvin. The property had fire doors fitted in an annex where the fire occurred. These doors were closed and did their job in keeping the fire contained to the room of origin.

The owner of the property said at the time of the fire: "I can't believe how effective the fire door was at containing the heat, the garage is completely destroyed but there was no damage to the summer house, it will just need redecorating. I hope our case shows people just how effective fire doors are."

Keith Brooks, Head of Prevention and Protection at Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "This case was a perfect example of how important fire doors are when a fire breaks out, both in the home and the workplace.

"They play a critical element in saving lives and property and should never be propped open. We would advise people to also get into the habit of closing all doors as a matter of course to prevent fire spreading and at the first sign of fire get out and call 999."

Fire Protection staff will be out and about during the week in the Cheshire area offering safety advice to information about fire doors.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service is committed to offering support and advice to help prevent fires from happening in the first place. In order to do this we want to make people more aware of six easy steps they can take to stay safe.

The '6 Sense' steps:

• 1. PLAN- plan your easiest escape route
• 2. TEST- fit a smoke alarm and test regularly
• 3. CHECK- check all appliances before going to bed or leaving the house
• 4. CARE- never leave cooking unattended
• 5. CLOSE- close doors at all times- this can prevent fire spreading
• 6. CALL- get out and call 999 at the first sign of fire

Fire Door Safety Week was created by The British Woodworking Federation and is supported by Fire Kills and local fire and rescue services.
For more information please visit www.cheshirefire.gov.uk.

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