RESIDENTS are being advised to be wary of bogus callers who have been telephoning homes in the area pretending to be firefighters.

The bogus callers are claiming to be from Avon Fire and Rescue and are trying to arrange Home Fire Safety Visits.

The fire brigade were made aware of the problem after a Thornbury man received a phone call from someone claiming to be from the organisation.

The bogus caller arranged to set up a visit at the man's home but fortunately on the day of the visit the resident realised it was a bogus caller when the man who appeared on his doorstep was not in fire service uniform, nor carrying any identification. His accomplice, who was sat in a car nearby, was not in a marked fire service vehicle.

Barrie Houghton, Thornbury Station Manager said: "Firefighters and staff from Avon Fire & Rescue Service carry out thousands of Home Fire Safety Visits each year as they are a vital way of promoting fire safety messages.

"However, we will only telephone residents who have already requested a visit, we never cold call on the telephone.

"Firefighters and staff who carry out Home Fire Safety Visits will not only wear fire service uniform, but also carry full identification and drive fully branded vehicles."

Anyone who is in doubt as to whether or not a person is a genuine representative of the Avon Fire and Rescue Service should call the brigade's headquarters on 0117 926 2061.