Home fire safety checks are now available for people living in Northamptonshire. This is the largest initiative ever launched by Northamptonshire County Council Fire & Rescue Service and will play a major role in reducing the number of fires in the county and saving the lives of local residents.

This free scheme means that Northamptonshire residents can contact the Fire Service to arrange for a fire-fighter to visit to give guidance on how to prevent fires and other hazards and to install free smoke alarms if necessary.

Home fire safety checks are offered to everyone in Northamptonshire however the Fire Service is particularly keen to hear from the elderly, those with young children and the less able, all of whom are statistically more likely to suffer from house fires. We would encourage anyone in one of those groups to arrange their free home fire safety check today.

Anyone wishing to arrange a home fire safety check can call us free on 0800 38 999 50 or e-mail us safetycheck@northantsfire.org.uk

David Archer, Director of Public Protection and Chief Fire Officer said: 'Home fire safety checks are a free service for the people of Northamptonshire. The Fire Service will visit your home to give you safety advice, guidance on how to prevent fires from starting and to fit free smoke alarms if needed. Most fires are preventable and home fire safety checks will go a long way to making Northamptonshire a safer place to live. Call us today to arrange your home fire safety check.'

For further information please contact Peter White, Marketing and Communications Officer on 01604 797 160, 07795 603 928 or at pwhite@northantsfire.org.uk