Using burgers to boost fire safety

Jersey Fire and Rescue Service (JFRS) is urging islanders planning a Christmas night out to order a takeaway or stop for something to eat on their way home.

The JFRS is offering the advice as part of its Christmas safety campaign, which aims to reduce the number of house fires over the festive period. A third of home fires are caused by cooking and, of these, a large proportion are caused by people attempting to cook while under the influence.

The campaign will include adverts at bus shelters, and 10,000 specially-printed beer mats which will be used across Liberation Group pubs, bars and restaurants this month.

JFRS is also aiming to get islanders involved by offering one of three £50 vouchers for Food.je. Individuals can enter the competition by sharing JFRS’s posts regarding the initiative on their photos on Facebook and Twitter.

Watch Commander, Richard Ryan, said: “Cooking under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious fire risk. It’s much easier to over-estimate cooking time, leave the oven or hob on, or fall asleep. Any of these could cause a potentially deadly fire.”

“By urging partygoers to avoid cooking when they get back from their night out, and getting a takeaway instead, we’re hoping to ensure that more people end their Christmas celebrations safely. I’m very grateful to our partners in this campaign – Islands Insurance, Food.je, the Liberation Group and Liberty Bus – for helping JFRS to reach more people.”