FIRE chiefs are urging people to get free smoke alarms fitted after they saved the lives of a family caught in a blaze at their home.

Carol Griffiths and six other people, including youngsters, escaped as flames tore through their semi-detached home in Bede Terrace, Bowburn, near Durham City, at about 11pm on Tuesday night.

They were alerted to the danger by smoke alarms sounding and managed to flee to safety.

The County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service's Community Safety Team has visited other homes in the area, offering safety advice and the fitting of free smoke alarms.

Paul Reay, Director of Community Safety, said: "It is always very worrying when we respond to a call of trapped people within buildings.

"The importance of fitting smoke alarms in your homes was clearly highlighted by the fire.

"Without the smoke alarms the outcome would have been very different and I am certain the alarms saved the lives or prevented serious injury on this occasion.

"I would urge all residents to take the opportunity to have smoke alarms fitted for free by the service and to receive our potentially life-saving Home Fire Safety Advice to help us achieve our vision of Safer People, Safer Places."

To take advantage of the offer call 0191-332 4222 or visit the website www.ddfire.gov.uk.