Question:
I've just got round to reading a backlog of mail (now I understand where the topic of National Commissioners came from!), and found a mail about fire safety in Scout Huts. Now, perhaps it's just me, but why is everyone so keen on safety and fire prevention all of a sudden? The fire service strike is inconsequential - we should be striving to avoid fire at all times. All the present strike means is that, should a fire start, your hut may burn down rather than being rescued in a sorry state. I'm not knocking the advice issued, as it is very sensible - but it should be applied by all people at all times, not just at the moment because of the fire strike. I can imagine what the insurance company would say if informed "No, we didn't move the petrol cans away from the open flame fire, because the fire station is only just down the road". I've had the same moan at work too. Though we actually did get one good piece of advice - those of ill health have been advised not to use the lifts, since rescue could take up to 60 minutes if it fails.

Answer: Q: I've just got round to reading a backlog of mail (now I understand where the topic of National Commissioners came from!), and found a mail about fire safety in Scout Huts. Now, perhaps it's just me, but why is everyone so keen on safety and fire prevention all of a sudden? The fire service strike is inconsequential - we should be striving to avoid fire at all times. All the present strike means is that, should a fire start, your hut may burn down rather than being rescued in a sorry state. A: There was a significant increase in arson attempts both during the most recent 48 hour strike and, I'm led to believe, in the last national strike in 1977. So there IS a greater fire risk now than previously, and it is more important to ensure that your hut is not a tempting target. I do agree that much of the advice is always relevant.