Brushing up on fire safety

Scrub Up... Firefighters (from left) Mick Simms, Richard Rigby and Bill Biles get stuck in

MOTORISTS were able to brush up on their knowledge of home fire safety — while firefighters gave their vehicles a gleaming polish.

Boxer Ricky Hatton supported the knock-out Autoglym National Car Wash Day that saw firefighters in Oldham turn their hoses on cars rather than flames and raise money for charity.

Oldham and Chadderton crews took part on Saturday with funds raised going to The Firefighters’ Charity, which gives treatment and support to 13,000 injured colleagues every year.

Station Commander John Lake said: “Despite our best efforts, we have seen first-hand how fire can destroy lives and devastate communities. By learning more about safety around the home, lives can be saved.

“The other reason is to raise essential funds for The Firefighters’ Charity so they may continue to support those in need.”

Ricky ‘The Hitman’ Hatton added: “I applaud the bravery of firefighters who routinely put themselves in harm’s way, making split-second decisions to save lives.

“They are the ones jumping into a burning building when everyone else is jumping out. By taking a little more care in the home, we should be able to knock-out accidental fires altogether, leading to fewer accidents and, ultimately, fewer innocent deaths.”

Shampoo for the event was donated by car care firm Autoglym.