Fire risk, caused by sparks from the chimney and hot cinders from the ashpan, has been a problem that has existed since steam motive power became a reality.
Fortunately, the Duke lends itself to being covered underneath by various types of meshes so the risk of fire from the ashpan through hot cinders is not a big issue.
To prevent the emission of sparks from the chimney the Duke has a dual spark arrestor system fitted around the chimney assembly to attempt to ensure that any particles passing through the arrestor would be so small as to not start a lineside fire.
The meshes on the Duke's arrestors are now being replaced after 8 years of good service.
Support crew member Ken Wilcock has already completed one of the two interlocking screens and is now on with the second.
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