Success of firefighters

HOME fire safety checks carried out by West Sussex County Council Fire and Rescue Service have proved a huge success in reducing the amount of home fires over the last five years.

They have seen:

· Firefighters carrying out more than 36,000 checks across the county.
· Firefighters fitting more than 46,000 free smoke alarms.
· The number of fires falling year on year with latest figures showing an 11 per cent decrease from 545 to 488 in 2008-09. 

Following this success, West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service will now be targeting vulnerable individuals and groups, offering free home fire safety checks. It wants to hear from you if you are: 

· More than 65.
· A lone parent.
· Disabled or with an impairment.
· A single adult living alone.
· Immobile or without assistance.

The local fire crew will phone to arrange a convenient time – either weekday, evening or weekend.

They will then call round, check for any potential fire hazards, offer straightforward fire safety advice, and fit smoke alarms if needed.

To request a Home Fire Safety Check call FREEPHONE 0800 328 6487

Peter Evans, County Council Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said: “Because the free home fire safety checks have proved so successful, we now need to make sure that we are prioritising our visits to those who are most at risk of a fire.

“We would encourage anyone who is able to carry out the check themselves to use our free online DIY Home Fire Safety Check, which is available with other fire safety advice by logging onto www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire”

Source - West Sussex County Council