Recently Mary Macleod, Member of Parliament for Brentford and Isleworth, was invited to visit Chiswick Fire Station to find out more about their work in the local area.  Mary was interested to meet active fire fighters, to hear about the challenges they face in both preventing fires and fighting them.

Not only is the local Fire Brigade on call 24/7 to deal with fires as they occur, but they work hard to raise awareness of preventing fires.  Fire fighters regularly visit local schools to teach the students about fire prevention and safety, as well as providing a smoke alarm fitting service to the local area.  The London Fire Brigade (LFB) carries out statistical modelling to determine which areas in London are most at risk of fire.  This is done to ensure that community safety work is targeted where it is most needed. 

The staff at the Fire Station also talked to Mary about the importance of sprinklers in preventing loss of life and valuables in a fire.  There is clear evidence that installation of sprinklers can be effective in the rapid suppression of fires.  In buildings that are fully protected by sprinklers, they can control 99% of fires.  Sprinklers also greatly improve the safety of firefighters tackling a fire – they are effective in reducing the risks of flashover and backdraft conditions.

Mary commented: “It was very interesting to meet the firefighters and the Borough Commander, to hear about their efforts to improve fire safety in the local area.  I am delighted to be able to help support the London Fire Brigade’s excellent work by sending out information leaflets to those of my constituents who live in high-risk areas.  I do hope that these constituents will consider the matter very carefully and take up the LFB’s offer of a home fire safety visit and possibly a free smoke detector.  They really do save lives.”