An extinguisher prevented a small fire from becoming a serious incident at the beautiful 100 year-old performing arts theatre

12th June 2008

Extinguishers supplied by Kidde Fire Protection Services (KFPS) have prevented a small fire from becoming a serious incident in a 100 year-old performing arts theatre ­ heightening the current debate around the importance of extinguishers in public places.

Gemma Bevis, spokesperson for Trestle Arts Base in St Albans, Hertfordshire explains: "A staff member arriving for work at 8.45am, noticed smoke in the foyer area as a result of clothing being placed in too close proximity to an electrical light fitting. After calling the Fire Brigade, she used the Kidde fire extinguisher in the foyer to tackle the blaze, preventing the fire from spreading until further help arrived. The fire brigade arrived within two minutes and undertook a safety check of the area."

Trestle Arts Base is a 100-year-old chapel beautifully converted into a performing arts centre, and is home to Trestle Theatre that offers a variety of professional shows, workshops and classes, exhibitions and events.

The story comes just weeks after an independent fire risk assessment conducted at a block of flats in Bournemouth concluded that extinguishers were a hazard in untrained hands and could encourage people to try and tackle a blaze rather than leave the building.

"The decision to remove fire extinguishers from the flats in Bournemouth is contrary to a recent survey conducted by the FIA which showed that of 400 fire incidents, approximately 80% were successfully extinguished by a portable fire extinguisher, eliminating the need for fire brigade intervention," says Andy Mitchell, Sales and Marketing Director for Kidde Fire Protection Services.

"And if you want an example of where extinguishers can help prevent a small fire from becoming a major hazard, look no further than the experience of the Trestle Theatre."