A NEW life-saving service was launched this week to reduce the number of people killed or injured in house fires.

As part of a nationwide drive to make people more aware of fire safety measures and escape routes within the home, County Durham and Darlington Fire Brigade is offering free fire safety checks to all 248,000 households in the area.

The brigade already installs smoke alarms to all homes for free, but is stepping up its work in the community.

Fire service community safety manager Dave Turnbull said: "In 2002, we had five deaths from fires and over 140 people were injured. These occurred in properties that didn't have smoke alarms, or alarms without batteries.

"Of the remaining fires in 190 properties that had smoke alarms which worked, there were just five people injured, which shows the difference smoke alarms make. We want to reduce this figure even further with the home fire safety checks."

He said people should draw up a fire action plan so they know what to do in a fire.

"By making a plan and installing a working smoke alarm you can save valuable time to escape before it is too late,"said Mr Turnbull.

To arrange a fire safety check, call (0191) 332 4222 or log on to www.ddfire.gov.uk