WORK by firefighters to raise safety awareness across Teesside has proved a success.

Last year saw Cleveland Fire Brigade deal with 365 fewer fires and 127 accidental fires in the home.

Fire chiefs say the reduction has saved the local economy more than £3m, and improved the area’s carbon footprint.

There has been 3310 few incidents in the past five years.

More than 18,000 free home visits have been carried out in the last year and events are regularly put on to engage with youngsters about the importance of fire safety.

Ian Hayton, chief fire officer at Cleveland Fire Brigade, said: "

"Our success is attributed to our deep understanding and management of local risks, a strong understanding of our communities' needs, dedicated professional staff, learning from others, innovative ways of working and our diverse range of integrated community services. “These include our home fire safety visits, our winter warmth campaign which helps support those with inadequate heating or lighting and advocacy services which identify vulnerable members of our community to provide them with specialist support.”

Jean O’Donnell, chairwoman of Cleveland Fire Authority, said: "I am particularly pleased that our communities are safer as a result of our work, especially in their homes, and that we remain the highest performing brigade nationally in relation to these reductions."

For a free home fire safety visit call 01429-874063.