South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue is today launching a fresh drive to stop smokers dying in accidental house fires, after new statistics reveal more people die in fires caused by smoking than in fires with any other single cause.

Smoking has been responsible for more than 40% of all deaths in accidental house fires in South Yorkshire since 2005. It has led to the deaths of six people in the last three years.

Now, to coincide with National No Smoking Day, the fire service is joining forces with all the NHS in South Yorkshire to raise awareness of the consequences of smoking and to help smokers who want to quit, to quit altogether.

To mark the campaign, firefighters are joining forces with NHS Sheffield stop smoking professionals and children from Valley Park Primary School on the steps of Sheffield City Hall. The children will sing 'I'd Do Anything'- theme of this year's National No Smoking Day- before meeting firefighters at South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue's Central fire station.

Steve Makepeace, Head of Community Safety at South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue, said: “Smoking remains the single biggest killer in accidental house fires, but nearly all of these deaths can be avoided by following some basic some simple rules. For example, never smoke in bed, never leave a lit cigarette unattended, always ensure that cigarettes are put out properly and keep lighters and matches out of the reach of children.

“Throughout March, we will be offering specialist fire safety advice to smokers, whilst supporting the NHS' own activities aimed at helping smokers to quit, which is the surest way of reducing the risk of fire.”

Smokers can help to keep the risk of fire low, by following some basic fire safety advice:

• Never smoke in bed - it's very easy to fall asleep and allow your cigarette to set light to your bedclothes or furnishings
• Don't smoke if you're drowsy - especially if you're sitting in a comfortable chair or if you've been drinking or taking prescription drugs. Again, it's easy to fall asleep
• Don't leave a lighted cigarette, pipe or cigar unattended - they can easily overbalance and land on the carpet or other flammable material
• Make totally sure that your butts aren't still smouldering - wet them and empty your ashtray into a metal bin outside the house
• Keep lighters, matches and smoking materials out of the reach of children – you can also buy child-resistant lighters and containers for matches

For more information and fire safety advice visit the South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue website, www.syfire.gov.uk or follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/syfr . To arrange a free Home Safety Check call 0114 253 2314 or text FREE to 87023.

For more information on ways to help you stop smoking visit www.nosmokingday.org.uk or contact your local fire station and ask to be referred for help through the Hot Spots Scheme.