Campaign targets house fire safety

Nearly 400 people died in house fires last year

Fire experts are advising householders to draw up an emergency escape plan in the event of a fire, at the launch of a government fire safety campaign.

The four-week Home Office campaign, aimed at reducing the number of house fire deaths, will include TV advertising and the delivery of fire safety leaflets to 22 million households in England and Wales.

It advises that regular fire drills, escape plans and installing fire alarms could help cut the hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries from house fires each year.

Many deaths and injuries from house fires could be prevented by taking some basic precautions

Trevor Bacon, Norfolk Fire Service

Last year there were over 58,000 fires in the home, which resulted in nearly 400 deaths and over 12,000 injuries.

Home Office Minister Mike O'Brien said: "Spending some time with your family, including children, developing a fire action plan will ensure they know what to do if there is a fire."

Statistics released from the Fire Safety Campaign show that one in five homes do not have a smoke alarm, and that these homes accounted for 70% of house fire deaths.

Gaining extra minutes

The latest government campaign has been welcomed by fire chiefs.

"Many deaths and injuries from house fires could be prevented by taking some basic precautions," said Trevor Bacon, senior divisional officer with Norfolk Fire Service.

House fire causes

Cooking activities - 55% of fires (15% deaths)

Smokers' materials and matches - 11% (34% deaths)

Electric, gas and open fires - 5% (10% deaths)

Candles - 3% (2.5)

Source: Fire Safety Campaign

"Ensuring everyone knows what to do in the event of a house fire could give you the extra few minutes needed to get out safely."

Campaign organisers have enlisted the backing of TV's Linda Barker, of BBC1's Changing Rooms.

In the campaign advertisement, the presenter says: "To help protect your loved ones and the home that you've spent time and money decorating, don't forget the most important finishing touches - fit a smoke alarm and plan your fire escape routes."