FREE safety advice has been given out to people who live on the Kennet and Avon River Canal by the fire service.

Fire fighters were in Devizes, Bradford and Avon and Pewsey to ensure that boaters are not one of the 60 people killed in the last 20 years as a result of a boat fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.

Tom Brolan is coordinating the campaign and said: “We know boats carry a very high fire risk, and it is vital that boaters protect themselves. Firefighters do travel along the towpath, but Boat Fire Safety Week is an opportunity for us to run a concerted campaign and hopefully reach as many people as possible. As well as offering fire safety advice, and fitting smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms, we will remind boaters of the importance of knowing their location at all times so that, in the event of any emergency, we can get there as quickly as possible.” Advice included avoiding using portable gas stoves on board, routinely checking fuse boxes for overheating and keeping indoor areas well ventilated when decorating.