FIRE safety chiefs have issued a potentially life-saving message of ‘shut that door’ to householders in the Sidmouth area.

FIRE safety chiefs have issued a potentially life-saving message of ‘shut that door’ to householders in the Sidmouth area.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service bosses have encouraged householders to make closing internal doors in their dwellings a bed-time habit- and say it could prevent tragedy.

“If a fire was to take hold within a room, with the door shut it will be contained and potentially stop the flames and smoke spreading for up to 20 minutes,” said a fire service spokesperson.

“This is enough time to save lives and your home.

“A shut door simply prevents more oxygen entering the room – which the fire feeds on – as well as stopping toxic smoke leaving the room and blocking exit routes.

“If you want to keep a child’s bedroom door open, close the doors to the lounge and kitchen.”