Boat owners are being urged by the fire service to carry out a number of safety measures in a bid to prevent the break-out of fire.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service is teaming up with boat owners to ensure they have a safe summer of sailing.

The fire service said the number of fires on boats throughout the coastal and inland waters is relatively low, but when a fire takes hold the consequences are often devastating.

The fire and rescue service will be working with local yachting and boat clubs, marina staff and other boating organisations to get the important safety message out during national Boat Safety Week.

Glenn Askew, community safety manager for the fire and rescue service, said: “Due to the remote location of moorings, we can often experience difficulties gaining access to the incident.

“This can lead to the total destruction of the boat and in some cases impact on surrounding property.”

The fire and rescue service suggests the following to help prevent fire: fitting a smoke detector on vessels, making an action plan, fit gas and petrol detector alarms, turn off appliances, close LPG cylinder valves, extinguish cigarettes and candles and never leave hobs unattended.