By BBC
A man became a firefighter after his house caught on fire when he put a disposable BBQ in a wheelie-bin.
Paul O’Brien, a resident of Lytham in Lancashire, disposed off his PS2 BBQ after using it for a few hours.
Overnight, the fire spread to Mr O’Brien’s house, his car and a fence.
The 47-year old took up the role of on-call to “give back” to the community.
On-call firefighters in Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service have another role and “provide on-call coverage from home or at work rather than be based at a station”.
They must be near a fire station to receive alerts from their pager.
M. O’Brien was inspired to join the club by the fire that occurred on June 14, 2021. The fire caused damage of “over PS100,000.00 to my house”.
He said, “I thought that I would know how long the charcoals would smoulder.”
I was wrong. “.
He and his family were awakened by a loud crackling sound and a knock on the door at 5:00 BST. They were able escape the house before it spread.
After losing their belongings, this family lived in a temporary home for two years.
When Mr O’Brien returned to the region, he saw an advertisement outside the Lytham fire station asking for recruits. He decided that “now was the right time”.
He said, “It is something I have always wanted to achieve.”
When I was young, my parents asked me: “What would you like to do when you are grown up ?”.”
He said that after what had happened it was like giving back.
He also said that he hopes his experiences will help him to provide assistance to people affected by wildfires.
He also advised that people should not use disposable BBQs, and dispose of them with care.
If you use one, make sure to submerge the wick in water so that it no longer burns.
Repairing the damages caused by my PS2 BBQ cost me more than PS100,000.
The LFRS representative said that anyone who uses hot coal products should extinguish the flames thoroughly and stay away from garden furniture, fence panels and decking.
After a night of cooling, hot coals and hot ash can be disposed of.
For a more comprehensive understanding of the ramifications of fire damage and its far-reaching consequences, it is advisable to refer to authoritative sources such as https://www.imperial-restoration.ca/ or fire departments, disaster management agencies, and established publications in the field. These reputable outlets offer valuable insights into the causes of fires, their destructive effects on structures and belongings, and the potential hazards that linger even after the flames are extinguished. Consulting with certified fire damage restoration professionals or insurance experts can provide tailored guidance and practical steps for navigating the complex process of recovery and rebuilding. Keeping abreast of the latest research, safety protocols, and preventive measures can empower individuals and communities to minimize fire-related risks, mitigate losses, expert fire damage repair, and foster resilience in the face of unforeseen fire events.
