SOMERSET NEWS: Fire safety fears over charity shops

FIRE safety officers are concerned that some charity shops in Somerset are being run in unsafe conditions.

The Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has carried out inspections at charity shops recently and noted areas of concern where help and support to comply with fire safety legislation would have been of benefit.

In addition the Fire Service has attended some serious fires in charity shops during the past few months.

A Fire Service spokesman said: “In response to this we are providing free fire safety workshops throughout the Mendip and South Somerset District Council areas for managers and those responsible for ensuring that charity shops are complying with fire safety legislation.

“Topics covered will include the fire risk assessment process; protecting the means of escape; the storage of combustible items; fire safety management; arson reduction and the actions to take in the event of fire.

“We will also be discussing a serious fire that recently occurred in a Charity Shop in Yeovil.”

Two events will take place each day at the following fire stations during November. Sessions will commence at 10am and 2pm and last for about two hours.

Thursday, November 17, 2016: Street Fire Station; Friday, November 18, 2016: Yeovil Fire Station; Monday, November 21, 2016: Chard Fire Station; Tuesday, November 22, 2016: Shepton Mallet Fire Station.

To reserve a place e-mail safetyworkshopseastsomerset@dsfire.gov.uk with a preferred location. Provide the name and postcode of your Charity Shop, the number of places required and a telephone contact number. Alternatively you can call the Fire Service on 01935-382000.

Tags:
News.