Households across Merseyside are being warned by fire chiefs a simple check could save lives should a "traumatic experience" happen.
According to Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, you are eight times more likely to die in a fire in the home if you do not have a working smoke alarm. But simply just having one working smoke alarm often is not enough, as MFRS said checks must be made.
Despite 95% of homes having at least one working smoke alarm, smoke alarms only alerted householders to just one in every three fires in the home in England. The most common reason for a smoke alarm failing to activate was because the fire was outside of its range.
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Freedom of Information data, obtained by the ECHO, shows that in 2021 alone, the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service received a total of 366 calls to fires at properties with no smoke alarms. Of which, 252 of those were in dwellings, including houses and flats.
March 2021 saw the highest number of dwelling fires with no smoke alarm fitted, with 40 incidents reported, followed by September with 27. In non-residential properties last year, the highest number of incidents reported was in April with 15 - these can include shops, warehouses and offices.
The total number of incidents reported to the fire service for last year was 1,238, of which 972 were in dwellings. It is important to note that this data is taken from the Incident Recording System, which is live, meaning figures are subject to change without notification.
Speaking to the ECHO, Mark Thomas, area manager, said that as well as having a smoke alarm, it was also really important to understand what it means and the sound it makes, as well as making sure it works.
He added: "The staple of any home is a smoke alarm. Make sure you have them on each floor and check them regularly to ensure they are working. We would also ask people to be careful on how they heat their homes and how they cook, particularly given some of the challenges around the cost of living.
"We also ask people to consider giving up smoking, it's still the biggest killer of people who die in fires in homes so please, if you can, quit. With regards to cost of living, if electrical goods appear cheaper on the internet, there's often a reason for it and they are often not as safe as originals.
"Examples of this would be chargers for electrical bikes. We've noticed an increase in these types of fires and they are often more intense but sadly there's a rise there at the moment."
The Freedom of Information data from January to May 2022 shows a total of 163 fires were reported at properties with no smoke alarm, this was out of a total of 534 incidents reported to the fire service.
Mark told the ECHO: "We are approaching really difficult times regarding the cost of living and Merseyside has real challenges with deprivation and vulnerable communities. Fire fighters and prevention staff work every day of the year in people's homes, making sure they are safe and checking alarms to make sure people are well and are living comfortably in their homes.,
"That can be really challenging, but we link closely with partners in health, housing and police to be able to make a difference to those people. We expect the cost of living to intensify before it goes away so we are preparing to give even more support."
The Fire Service has compiled a list of useful safety tips:
- A single smoke alarm is not enough - install at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home
- The ideal position is on the ceiling, in the middle of a room or on a hallway or landing
- Consider fitting additional alarms in other rooms where there are electrical appliances or near sleeping areas
- Don't put alarms in or near kitchens and bathrooms where smoke or steam could set them off accidentally
- Test your smoke alarms every week and replace them every 10 years
- Don't ignore a sounding smoke alarm - even if it isn't yours.
- If you hear a smoke alarm go off in a neighbour's property, check it out and call 999 immediately if you suspect a fire. Those vital few seconds could help save a life. DO NOT try and enter the property yourselves if you think there is a fire.
You can look after your friends, neighbours and relatives by calling 0800 731 5958 to arrange a free Home Fire Safety Check and to ask for fire safety advice. Many residents on Merseyside will be eligible for the fitting of free smoke alarms, particularly those over the age of 65.
Mark added fire crews will continue to work hard to ensure safety, and their work does not end after a fire has been put out. He added: "After a fire we work with residents or the home owner and help them put their home back to some sort of resemblance of how it may have been.
"We will always support those involved in a fire, it's a traumatic experience for anyone and we will make sure safety checks are undertaken. If there are issued we can make arrangements through other partners who can help with relocation.
"I've been in the fire rescue service for 29 and a half years and I've seen many changes in that time. I've seen it develop into a service that cases for the needs of the most vulnerable. We put prevention at the core of our business and work closely with partners to ensure we access the most vulnerable and ensure safety."
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