EVERY home in the borough will have at least one working smoke alarm fitted within the next five years.

That is the target set by Bury fire chiefs who are also urging the police, housing, and welfare groups to work with the fire service to ensure the most vulnerable residents are identified quickly and their homes are fitted with the life saving devices.

Recent tragic events have show the life shattering results of not having a working smoke alarm fitted.

In Clayton, a two-year-old boy died in a bedroom fire, while last weekend three children and a woman died in a blaze in Rochdale.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service is stepping up its campaign to provide every home across the county with working smoke alarms. The borough of Bury has around 74,335 homes, of which 75 per cent are owner-occupied.

Bury Fire Service's borough commander Kevan Whitehead, said: "It is imperative that we see smoke alarms in the same way that we see seat belts. Both are there for our safety and they truly help to save lives. As we naturally fasten our seat belts, we should ensure that we have working smoke alarms.

"Too often we attend fires where the battery of the smoke alarm has been removed and not replaced. Checking the alarm weekly and ensuring the batteries are replaced when necessary will ensure that they work when needed."

Figures for 2004 show that in 75 per cent of all the fatal incidents attended by the county fire service, no working smoke alarm was present. And of the 4,424 house fires, just under half had no smoke alarm at all.

Mr Whitehead continued: "Our aim is to have at least one working smoke alarm in every household in Bury and across Greater Manchester within five years.

"If you know somebody who you think might be at risk then let us know. We have specially trained teams available to check the fire safety in your home and fit free smoke alarms where required."

Anyone who wants a free home risk assessment can call the Target Fire team free on 0800 555 815 or contact them at www.manchesterfire.gov.uk