21st April 2008
Fire safety message to beach hut users
Fire crews from Whitstable are urging beach hut owners and others using the beach to dispose carefully of used gas cylinders and to keep their properties maintained, to avoid providing fuel for potential fire-raising.
This message follows an incident earlier in the year in Whitstable where a gas cylinder exploded on the beach when it was thrown on a bonfire by youths. Luckily no one was injured, but a huge crater was formed and debris and shrapnel from the cylinder were found up to half a mile away.
Whitstable fire station manager David Brown said: “This was a dangerous and foolish act and those responsible put themselves and the lives and property of others at serious risk.
We are appealing to everyone who visits the beach, from beach hut users/owners to boat owners to think carefully about what they throw away and make sure flammable items such as cylinders are not left lying around, but are disposed of in the correct manner.”
He added: “I would also urge beach hut owners to keep their properties well maintained and clear of refuse as unfortunately huts that are in disrepair have the potential to attract fire-setters.”
Follow these safety tips when disposing of gas cylinders:
• Only change gas bottles when completely empty
• Always return used gas cylinders to the supplier/manufacturer
• Do not keep more cylinders than you need
• Store gas cylinders outside but away from frost and direct sunlight.
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