FIRE safety officers across East Lancashire are launching a campaign to stop fires happening twice.

As part of National Fire Safety Week, free smoke detectors will he handed out to all homes hit by fire.

Divisional officer Michael Frankland, head of fire safety, said: "There is a one in 65 chance of your house having a fire and a one in 20 chance of the property being hit again. It's similar to burglary.

"To stop this happening, we are providing free smoke detectors throughout East Lancashire to all houses hit by fire."

He added that every fire appliance in East Lancashire will have a supply of smoke detectors which will be constantly replaced until the end of the millennium.

The Fire Service has bought a large quantity of detectors fitted with 10 -year batteries and will be providing them free of charge as well as fitting them for all people over 90 years of age during this year's European Year of the Elderly.

Mr Frankland said: "There were 10 fire deaths and over 180 casualties in fires locally last year. We have started to reduce these figures and wish to continue that downward trend. It is not acceptable that Lancashire is the fourth worst county in the country for fire deaths."

Fire Safety Week runs from September 25 to October 1. As part of the campaign, electrical retailers Currys are issuing vouchers to cut the cost of deep fat fryers, which are available, together with detectors, from all fire stations.

For details contact 01254 262721.

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