Bristol MPs condemn frontline fire service cuts

Three Bristol MPs have written an open letter to the minister responsible for the fire service raising serious concerns about cuts to fire and rescue budgets.

Kerry McCarthy, MP for Bristol East, Thangam Debbonaire, MP for Bristol West and Karin Smyth, MP for Bristol South all signed the letter condemning the thousands of frontline firefighter jobs lost since 2010.

Across the Avon Fire and Rescue Service area 150 have been cut.

The letter to Brandon Lewis follows the largest increase in deaths from fire-related incidents in twenty years.

Avon Fire and Rescue Service are also issuing tips on staying safe over Christmas:

• Check your Christmas tree lights carry the British Safety Standard sign.

• Always switch Christmas lights off and unplug them before you go to bed.

• Never place candles near your Christmas tree or materials that can catch light easily.

• Test the batteries in your smoke alarm every week. Never remove them.

• Most fires start in the kitchen. Avoid leaving a cooker unattended.

• Make sure your family and visitors know how to escape in an emergency.

• Make sure cigarettes are put out properly

• Decorations can burn easily – so don’t attach them to lights or heaters.

• Keep candles, lighters and matches out of children’s reach.

• Ensure candles are kept away from cards, decorations and furniture which could catch fire.

• Never leave burning candles unattended.

• Take care around open fireplaces as clothes may catch fire.

• Never overload electrical sockets.

• Take time to check on elderly relatives and neighbours this Christmas as they are at greater risk from fire.