Lights warning after loft fire in Folkestone
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Firefighters are warning of the potential risks of domestic
downlighters after a blaze in a loft.
The fire broke out at Fairfax Avenue, Cheriton, just after
4.50am on Friday but the house occupants got out in
time.
A man in the room below had heard the noise, thinking it was a
water leak, bot found the loft ablaze. He got out the rest of the
household before raising the alarm.
Two fire engines from Folkestone rushed to the scene and a crews
wearing breathing apparatus tackled the flames.
Folkestone crew manager Mick Burgess said: "People don't seem to
realise the amount of heat that is generated by halogen lights,
which can start a smouldering fire in adjacent timbers or other
flammable items.
"They get extremely hot and need sufficient air space around to
ventilate and prevent them from overheating.
"It is imperative that these downlighters are kept away from
timbers.
"You shouldn't place anything on or near them when storing
things in your loft and that they have at least 50mm (2in) space
around them."
Mr Burgess added that ceiling mounted lights should always be
installed following manufacturers' instructions and that any DIY
wiring in the home is inspected by a competent electrician.
Friday, September 10 2010
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