Fire warning from home insurance provider

Tue, 31 Oct 2006

Halifax Home Insurance has warned that many Britons could be putting themselves at risk this Guy Fawkes' Night by using "lethal accelerants" on their bonfires.

Some 5.9 million UK revellers use accelerants to light fires, the home insurance provider has warned.

This could result in a hefty home insurance claim, as figures cited by the company reveal that accidents caused by fires have resulted in damage to homes and gardens totalling £296 million.

Furthermore, Britons could be at risk of invalidating their home insurance policy by not taking enough care during the celebrations.

Research from the company also indicated that 1.7 million UK residents use petrol to light fires at home, 2.6 million use methylated spirits, while 1.2 million use potentially combustible aerosols.

Vicky Emmott, senior underwriter at Halifax Home Insurance, said: "Using combustible or explosive materials such as petrol or white spirits to light a bonfire is extremely dangerous and could easily result in a fire that is uncontrollable.

"Halifax Home Insurance is urging Britons to remember they need to take reasonable care, otherwise they may invalidate their insurance policies."

Insurancewide recently warned Britons to check that their home insurance policies cover items in the garden which could be damaged by a bonfire.


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