Essex County Fire and Rescue Service sounds alarm over proportion of homes with smoke detectors

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS) has released alarming statistics about smoke detectors in the county.

Between April 1, 2023 and March 31 this year there were 732 house fires in the county – however, only just over half (55.5%) of them had working fire alarms.

Claire Monk, live safe manager at ECFRS said: “This data is shocking and extremely worrying.

“Smoke alarms are a simple, cost-effective measure that can save lives. We provide… smoke alarms to any home in Essex completely free of charge and have specialist sensory smoke alarms for those with hearing impairment.

“Our smoke alarms have 10-year batteries, are unobtrusive and are easy to test. The fact that only 55.5% of the affected properties had working smoke alarms is worrying.”

The fire service is launching an urgent campaign to promote the installation, testing and maintenance of smoke alarms in every home in Essex.

Claire said: “As well as installing smoke alarms, it is vital that they are regularly tested and maintained to ensure they are working correctly.

“All smoke alarms, even hard-wired smoke alarms, need changing every 10 years and can often get contaminated with dust or insects, so we recommend giving your smoke alarm a vacuum to keep it clean.

“We urge everyone to check their smoke alarms today and take action to protect their homes and loved ones.”

For more information on fire safety and how to get your free smoke alarms, visit essex-fire.gov.uk/book.