CLEVELAND Fire Authority's new chief has praised work being done to modernise the service.
Councillor Robbie Payne, chairman and executive member for strategic management, said: "I have seen how much work has been done, and know how much is still being done to deliver the kind of modern fire service expected by the half a million people served by the brigade.
"The focus is now very firmly on fire prevention and community education.
"Firefighters go out into the community and into people's homes to talk to them about fire safety and fit smoke alarms."
He added: "Youngsters in schools are learning how to plan an escape route in the event of fire and there are also bilingual officers working in the community to make sure our messages are understood by residents whose first language may not be English.
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