FIREFIGHTERS are urging people across County Durham to develop an escape plan in case of a fire in their home.

Fire can spread quickly, producing heat, smoke and fumes and giving occupants only minutes to escape.

It is therefore essential to plan an escape route so each family member knows where to go and what to do.

Sub-Officer John Bowery, of County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Brigade, said: "It is essential that we all have a fire plan. We have a duty of care not only to ourselves, but our children.

"First and foremost, everyone should have a smoke alarm to give them early warning.

"Since April this year, there have already been three fatalities and in all instances there wasn't a smoke alarm fitted."

The fire action plan should include children, elderly and disabled people, and everyone should know where the door and window keys are kept.

It should set out the best escape route and another way out, both of which should be kept clear at all times.

Firefighters said that if a smoke alarm goes off in the night, it should not be investigated. Instead, everyone should be woken and leave the house using the escape plan.

Any doors that feel warm should not be opened and no one should go back for anything.

There are ways to reduce the risk of fire, including fitting smoke alarms and testing them every month, keeping doors closed at night, switching off as many electrical appliances as possible at night, and putting out cigarettes and candles safely.