A good reminder to us all of the need to fully uncoil extension leads to prevent overheating, especially when using them near to their maximum current carrying capacity.
In the report, the coroner tries to comfort the family by saying that the men had been overcome by fumes (smoke inhalation) and would not have burned to death. This is the case in well over 90% of fire-related deaths, but however tragic it always is, the real tragedy is that most deaths like this could have been prevented by the use of a working smoke alarm.
I guess that most of you will click on the link, read the report and probably feel saddened by it. But just how many of you can honestly say when you last checked or replaced the
battery in the smoke alarms that you have fitted (don't you?) in your motorhomes or houses?
Most casualties of fire related incidents thought, just like us, that fires only happen to other people, and it doesn't really matter if they delay replacing the
battery, or testing their alarms for a while. They usually change their opinions after a fire!
Incidentally, at your request, UK Fire Brigades routinely carry out free home safety inspections and supply and fit, free of charge, smoke alarms (usually with a "hush button") and other safety devices in your home, or in the home of a friend or relative. Just visit or phone your local fire station to arrange an appointment.
Brigades will also offer free safety advice relating to motorhomes, campsites etc.
In the meantime, change your smoke alarm batteries at least once per year (unless yours has a sealed five or ten year
battery) and test them weekly by pushing the test button.