TFS issues warning to renovators

HOME renovators have been warned of the danger of using heat guns to strip paint after several recent house fires.

The Tasmanian Fire Service issued the warning after a house at Chigwell was damaged yesterday afternoon.

An investigation found the fire was caused by a heat gun which was being used to strip paint from the home’s weatherboards. Damage to the Maroubra Circle property was estimated at $80,000.

“Although utilising a heat gun is an effective way to remove paint, it must be done carefully and measures put in place to avert fire,” TFS station officer Andrew Emery said.

“The heat gun can easily accidentally ignite the dry timber, insulation, vermin nests or other debris present in the wall cavity. These fires can burn undetected for some time.” A DATE for the grand opening of the Bridge of Remembrance has yet to be set.

Hobartians are no closer to finding out when they will be able to walk or ride their bikes on the bridge as the Hobart City Council continues to try to find a suitable date.

“No date has been set yet,” a council spokesman said.

“This is not solely a council decision, however, as we need to liaise with the funding body, Department of Premier and Cabinet, RSL and other stakeholders to set a date.”

Meanwhile, Tasmania Pol- ice has ruled out mounting speed cameras on the bridge.

A Hobart City Council spokesman said it would be “inappropriate” to mount speed cameras on the Remembrance Bridge. Contractor Fulton Hogan’s work is expected to be completed next month.