A life-saving service is being launched today.

County Durham and Darlington Fire Brigade is offering free fire safety checks to the 248,000 households in the area.

It is part of a nationwide drive to make people more aware of fire safety measures and escape routes within the home.

The brigade already offers to install smoke alarms for free, but is stepping up its work in the community.

Fire service community safety manager Dave Turnbull said: "In 2002, we had five deaths from fires and over 140 people were injured.

"These occurred in properties that didn't have smoke alarms, or alarms without batteries.

"Of the remaining fires in 190 properties that had smoke alarms which worked, there were just five people injured, which shows the difference smoke alarms make.

"We aim to reduce this figure even further with the home fire safety checks."

He said the aim of the checks was not to intrude in people's homes or lecture them on what they were doing wrong, but to help them reduce the risk of fire.

Firefighters will help residents form a fire action plan so they know what to do in the event of a fire.

"Thinking about how you would escape from your home can increase your chances of surviving a house fire.

"By making a plan and installing a working smoke alarm you can save yourself valuable time to escape before it is too late," he said.

Some of the things a fire action plan should include are identifying practical escape routes, making sure everyone knows where door and window keys are kept, making sure exits are kept clear and rehearsing the action plan.

To arrange a fire safety check contact 0191-332 4222 or log on to www.ddfire.gov.uk