FARNHAM fire-fighters are offering free fire safety advice to help residents protect their homes from the potential effects of fire.

In 2014/15 Surrey fire-fighters piloted a ground breaking fire-safety initiative in the UK. The programme, developed in the USA, aims to reduce the effects a fire would have on properties and towns bordering wild open land, including forests and heathland.

The pilot initiative was originally set up in Thursley, with the help of the parish council and its residents.

Approximately 30 properties were visited by Surrey Fire and Rescue firefighters and the many volunteers. The objective was to reduce risk of fire spreading to homes and businesses, by implementing straight forward measures around the outside of properties.

These measures could include clearing gutters and the underside of decking of leaves and debris, to removing combustible storage from the property and making sure that a hose pipe can reach all parts of the home.

The pilot scheme was a great success and Farnham firefighters are now able to offer this service to the residents of The Bourne, Frensham, Tilford, Rushmoor, Puttenham, The Sands, Hankley, Pitch Place, Ash, Tongham and Heath End.

Those interested in scheme should phone 08000850767 and request a FireAware visit.