FIREFIGHTERS have appealed to the makers of home makeover TV shows to be more conscious of fire safety.
Their plea follows the death of 42-year-old labourer Andrew Green, after an unobserved candle set his Warndon home on fire at the weekend. His 18-year-old daughter Lisa was badly hurt.
Yesterday, Hereford and Worcester firefighters were on the streets of Warndon offering fire safety advice to Mr Green's neighbours in Sheepscombe Drive.
Sub officer Andy Dugard, who was advising residents on the "prevention and cure" of fires, said there had been a national appeal by fire brigades to producers of home design shows to make sure their candle displays were safe.
"These programmes feature candles floating in water and on tables and sometimes unsafe places," said Mr Dugard.
"Candles are one of the biggest problems for fire brigades nationally."
A spokesperson for the BBC, which broadcasts shows such as Changing Rooms, Home Front and House Invaders, said the producers were conscious of fire safety.
"The candles in our makeover programmes are used purely for decoration and to add the finishing touches to a room," she said. "We always ensure they are positioned on safe surfaces and are never unattended."
As well as being careful with candles, residents have also been advised to install smoke alarms, make sure they work, and have a clear escape route.
The Evening News revealed yesterday that, though there was a smoke alarm in the flat, it did not have a battery. Doors were locked and the occupants could not find the key.
A home fire safety check is available by calling 0800 0321155.
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