28 April 2009

Firefighters have issued a safety reminder following an incident in Beaconsfield this afternoon.

A portable petrol-driven generator caught fire when a workman refuelled it while the engine was still running. It happened in Gregories Road at about 1.45pm. A crew from Beaconsfield Fire Station attended and provided fire safety advice.

Community safety manager Terry Ridgley said: “If you don’t switch off the engine first there is a risk of a fire or explosion."

Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service recommends the following safety tips when filling generators or mowers with petrol:

• Switch off the engine and allow it to cool down before refuelling.
  
  
• Pour the petrol through a funnel.
  
  
• Keep a rag handy to mop up any spillage.