Residents in the Washington Road complex in Sheffield can expect to see fire service staff out and about in their area on 27 October, providing vital advice to make people safer in their homes.

South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue has arranged the event following a number of kitchen fires in the area.

Many of the fires started as a result of cooking being left unattended.

Firefighters say that the people involved were very lucky not to suffer serious injuries.  They are now offering FREE home fire safety checks to all residents, including the fitting of free smoke alarms where needed.

The safety checks help to reduce the risk of fire injuries in the home by identifying any potential fire hazards and testing smoke alarms.

They are arranged at a time to suit you and are carried out by local firefighters or fire service staff members, who also provide advice on night time safety routines and planning an escape route.

More information will be made available on 27 October and residents are encouraged to talk to fire service staff about how they can protect themselves against fire.

Sheffield’s Fire Station Manager, Tony Carlin, said:  “Although these have been isolated incidents, we want to reduce the risk of more fires occurring, and make residents safer by showing them what to do in the event of a fire.  You can help by being vigilant, allowing us to visit your home to do a free fire safety check and by following our safety tips.”

To arrange a free fire safety check please call 0114 253 2314, visit www.syfire.gov.uk or talk to fire service staff on 27 October.

-ENDS-

TOP TIPS TO STAY SAFE

More fires start in the kitchen than in any other room and they account for 60% of fire-related injuries.  Follow these tips to stay safe.

• Keep the oven, hob and grill clean as a build up of fat can start a fire.
• Do not leave cooking unattended and never use a chip pan.
• Keep tea towels away from the heat.
• Double check equipment is turned off when finished. 
• Make sure you have a working smoke alarm and test it every week.
• If a fire starts, never try to tackle it. Get out, stay out and call 999.