The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
A new initiative between Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue and Wiltshire Farm Foods has the potential to save lives.
The fire service is working with the home delivery food company, which visits hundreds of homes around the county.
Wiltshire Farm Food’s drivers have already received special training to help them spot the tell-tale signs of people who may need fire safety or advice to remain safe in their home.
They can make a referral to the service’s community safety team.
James Baker, deputy manager for community fire safety said: “Wiltshire’s delivery drivers are ideally placed to alert the fire service to any individual they think could be at risk.
“Cooking is the main cause of fires within Lincolnshire, and this is a great opportunity to remind people of some simple steps of how they can remain safe in their home.
“Because Wiltshire Farm Foods visit so many homes in the county they are able to reach more people and hopefully, together, we can reduce the number of cooking-related fires.”
Wiltshire Farm Foods makes around 5,000 deliveries every month to Lincolnshire customers through their team of six full-time and two back-up drivers.
Company director Gurj Kalirai said: “Though we are a business and we like to maximise our potential where possible, Wiltshire Farm Foods is ethical in the way we operate.
“First and foremost the health, wellbeing and safety of our customers is our priority, this is why we go the extra mile and why we are delighted to have this partnership with Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue.”
Coun Nick Worth, executive member for fire and rescue at the county council, said: “We strive to find new and innovative ways of reaching people who may be vulnerable in their homes and this idea helps us to do that. It could ultimately save lives in Lincolnshire.”
