A SERVICE is being launched today to reduce the number of people being killed or injured in house fires.

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

The brigade already offers to install smoke alarms in homes without charge, 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 had 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 aim to reduce this figure even further with the home fire safety checks."

He said that the aim of the checks was not to intrude in people's homes or lecture them on what they were doing wrong, but simply to help them reduce the risk of fire and help them form a fire action plan so people know what to do in the event of a fire.

"Thinking about how you would escape from your home can increase your chances of surviving a house fire," said Mr Turnbull.

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

Some of the things a fire action plan should include are identifying practical escape routes, making sure everyone knows where door and window keys are kept, making sure exits are kept clear and practising the action plan.

To arrange a fire safety check contact 0191-332 4222, or visit the website at www.ddfire.gov.uk.