Popular Bristolian teams up with Fire Service for safety campaign
Big Jeff was seriously injured by a fire while cooking back in June
A well known Bristolian, who was seriously injured in a house fire earlier this year, has teamed up with the Avon Fire and Rescue Service for a new safety campaign.
On June 6 earlier this summer Big Jeff, who has become notorious in the city for his art and love of music, was cooking a meal at home after a gig at Bristol's O2 Academy, when the bottom of his shirt caught fire on the gas hob.
The resultant flash fire left Jeff seriously burnt and he has been in hospital ever since, only recently getting transferred from a specialist burns unit at Morriston Hospital in Swansea, to Southmead in Bristol.
Now, the Fire Service is urging anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation to remember the mantra, STOP, DROP, ROLL.
“Avon Fire & Rescue Service were the first responders, getting to the scene in 5 minutes from the call as they were nearby," Jeff's art manager Lee Dodds said.
"It took 14 firefighters and three fire engines to attend the incident with everyone having a role in the scene and keeping Jeff alive before the ambulance crew were able to attend and take him to hospital.
“If Jeff had known what to do then he would have been less injured.
"Stop, drop and roll is such a simple mantra and fire safety just isn’t spoken about enough.
"If we can make a difference to one person’s life, then that would be an amazing result.”
Jeff and his loved ones are now working with the Blue Watch team at Temple Fire Station to raise awareness of fire safety in the home and will be beginning a campaign on social platforms @bigjeffjohnsart.
Sarah Hopper, lead fire fighter on Blue Watch and first on the scene at the incident explains: “When we arrived at Jeff's home, I went in to investigate.
"I found Jeff inside and it was obvious that he had sustained serious burns.
"I got Jeff outside where the rest of the crews treated Jeff with the equipment we have before the ambulance arrived.
"Although he was in a terrifying situation, Jeff was an absolute legend, he stayed calm and listened to what we were telling him, which allowed us to do our job and give him the best treatment.
"We are really pleased he’s able to help us to send a message to Bristol and beyond of what to do if you find yourself in a similar situation.
"If your clothes catch on fire, the best thing to remember is: stop, drop and roll.
"If you find yourself in an emergency and need the fire service, call 999 immediately.
"We are here to help."
Several months on from the fire, Jeff is now able to walk with a frame and feed himself.
His loved ones have thanked the Fire Service and Jeff's neighbours who heard him shouting for help and called 999, for saving his life.
Almost half of fires that Avon Fire & Rescue Service attended last year involve cooking.
Twenty two per cent of fires Avon Fire & Rescue Service attend happen at mealtimes.
If you see a fire or smoke: get out, stay out and call 999.