Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is warning people that using pest control ‘smoke bombs’ can inadvertently trigger fire alarm systems.
Firefighters who were called to a property earlier this week because the smoke alarms were sounding, found the flat unoccupied but multiple pest control devices had been activated.
Group Manager Katie Cornhill said: “While it must have made perfect sense to set the devices and then leave home for the day, because of the fumes they generate, the smoke was enough to set off the smoke alarms. Smoke bombs are best used by pest control experts, as they know how to mitigate the risks, and certainly professional advice should be sought before using such devices in the home.”
She praised the neighbour for calling 999: “The neighbour did exactly the right thing, they heard the alarm and called the fire service. However, had they known that smoke bombs were in use within the property, that information could have been shared with us at the time of call.”
Advice on smoke alarms and keeping fire safe in the home can be found at www.dwfire.org.uk/safety
