RESIDENTS are being urged to take up an offer of free fire safety checks in a town where three members of a family died in a blaze.

Two-year-old Megan Yates was yesterday still critical in hospital after she suffered 31 per cent burns in the fire at a house in Pelham Street, Middlesbrough, which killed her mother, Gail Yates, 27, her 22-year-old aunt, Joanne, and 18-year-old uncle, Lee.

Jemma Taylor, of the Safer Middlesbrough Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, is now calling on residents to take up Cleveland Fire Brigade's offer of home fire safety checks.

Firefighters will visit homes and give free fire risk assessments, allowing residents to protect themselves.

Ms Taylor said: "We would encourage residents to take advantage of this opportunity to help them reduce the risk from fire.

"This could be the most important call they have ever made. We urge them to pick up the phone and call today."

The Teesside scheme was launched before the Pelham Street fire.

Tony Marwood, the district manager for Middlesbrough Fire Service, said: "Our aim is to actively prevent fires and injuries by visiting people in their homes to provide fire safety advice and to fit free smoke alarms.

"We particularly want to help and advise those members of our community who are vulnerable to the risks of fire, such as the elderly, the young and others who may not be aware of the dangers of fire."

To arrange for a home visit, call Middlesbrough Fire Station on (01642) 812525, Coulby Newham Fire Station on (01642) 599503, or Marine Fire Station on (01642) 247822.