FIRE chiefs are urging householders to have free smoke alarms fitted following the inquests into two men who died in separate blazes.

George Bewick died following a fire at a bungalow in Cherry Cottages, Tantobie, County Durham, on Saturday, December 20.

The 79-year-old was still inside the house when a suspected gas explosion blew out the windows and fire engulfed the countryside cottage.

Brian Ritchie, died following a fire on Mount Stewart Street, Dawdon, east Durham, on Thursday, January 15. He was believed to have been in his forties.

The fire was quickly extinguished but Mr Ritchie was found dead in his front room.

Investigations launched following the deaths found no smoke alarms were fitted in Mr Bewick's property and although alarms were fitted on the ground floor of Mr Ritchie's home, the batteries had been removed.

Durham Coroner Andrew Tweddle concluded both deaths were accidental following inquests held at Chester-le-Street.

During the hearings, Mr Tweddle praised the efforts of firefighters and stressed the value of smoke alarms.

He said: "I cannot overestimate the value of smoke alarms in the home; unfortunately, both deaths could have been prevented had smoke alarms been fitted."

Afterwards, Susan Johnson, chief executive of the County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, said: "In both these tragic deaths the victims did not receive any warning of the fires and the toxic smoke associated with fires.

"Two to three breaths of toxic smoke will affect your ability to breathe, causing a sensation similar to drowning. Just two to three breaths of toxic smoke and you can become unconscious.

"We are reminded of these dangers and urge all residents to take up our offer of free home fire safety advice and the fitting of free smoke alarms."

For more information, call 0191-332-4222 or visit ddfire.gov.uk