GREATER Manchester County Fire Service has launched a three-year community fire safety plan.

The aim is to cut the risk of fire to the public and the plan is in line with the Government's fire safety policy which takes the view that "prevention is better than cure".

Each year in Greater Manchester, there are around 5,000 house fires, resulting in an average of five deaths and injuries to 2,000 more.

The cost to the community is enormous, and while the fire brigade does all it can to minimise the impact and trauma caused by fire, it is trying to ensure that fires don't occur in the first place. That is why fire chiefs have adopted a pro-active approach to community fire safety which, in recent years, has greatly reduced the number of accidental deaths and injuries in Greater Manchester.

The bigade wants to build on that success with the help of the county's community leaders.

The County Fire Officer, Mr George Almond, said: "Most fires are preventable with a little care. Our long term vision is that preventable fires, fatalities and casualties will be eliminated.

"It's not an easy task, but it is is one which we will try hard to achieve."

He explained: "Our plan will target those most at risk, in the firm belief that fire safety education is the best way of saving lives and property from fire.

"This will further help us when working with other agencies to create a safer community environment."

The plan has been widely circulated among community and civic leaders prior to the launch and their comments and observations have been incorporated into the final document.

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