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.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article