Shropshire alert after blazes started by weed gas burners
A warning has been issued after Shropshire gardeners started fires with Calor gas burners used to kill weeds.
It comes after firefighters attended two garden fires in two days at homes in Telford and Shrewsbury.
A 79-year-old woman suffered slight smoke inhalation when she fought a fire with a hosepipe when flames spread to a wooden fence and decking at her home in Hanwood, near Shrewsbury, as firefighters were on their way to the scene.
In a second fire, a greenhouse was completely destroyed as flames spread to a fence and then the house in Derwent Drive, Priorslee, Telford, causing slight damage to roof fittings and heat damage to windows and paintwork.
A fire safety warning has now been issued by Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service aimed at preventing similar fires happening in the future.
Station Officer James Bainbridge said that Calor gas burners were popular labour saving garden gadgets and an alternative to chemicals for weed control.
"Being powered by gas, this item carries some considerable risk," he said. "It produces an intense and extremely hot flame that is effective on the weeds but is liable to cause burns if mishandled and has the potential to easily ignite items and undergrowth."
He urged people to familiarise themselves thoroughly with their safe use and storage.
"It is important during the current warm and dry weather to take extra care not to ignite surrounding dry materials and to ensure that thorough cooling of the burner has occurred before putting it away," Station Officer Bainbridge said. To reduce the risk of fire spreading, people are encouraged to use a garden hose or watering can to damp down areas recently treated.
The station officer at Shrewsbury fire headquarters prevention department also issued guidelines for safe use of the burners. "If using gas burner always store cylinders away from heat sources and other combustibles.
"They should be vigilant during use. Aim to restrict burner use to weeds only. If the burner does come into direct contact with other items, check for ignition. If in doubt, consider using a garden hose or other water source to extinguish or damp down.
"After use, people should ensure the gas is fully turned off and the burner is fully cool before replacing in storage," he added.
Meanwhile, Shropshire company bosses are being urged to attend an education seminar to get important information about their legal obligations for fire safety at business premises.
The events are being run free of charge at fire stations in Ludlow on Monday, Oswestry on Tuesday, Bridgnorth on Wednesday, Market Drayton on Thursday, Telford Central fire station on September 19, and at Shrewsbury fire HQ on September 21.
All seminars start at 10am and 2pm. People can book online at shropshire fire.gov.uk/safety-at-work/business-education-seminars.
