Fire risk checks plan is big success

Staffordshire fire service received more than 3,000 calls to its freephone number for people to book home fire risk checks in its first six months of operation.

The service, which has its headquarters at Pirehill, near Stone, has taken on 22 extra staff to process reports and go out and carry out the checks as part of the More for Less campaign.

The aim is to carry out more checks and drive down the number of people who are seriously injured or die in accidental house fires.

The freephone number – 0800 0241 999 – was launched at the start of June.

Chief fire officer Peter Dartford said: "The campaign is proving to be more successful than we ever imagined.

"The investment we have put into this campaign demonstrates our commitment to ensuring its success continues into the future.

"We are determined that no one should die from an accidental fire in their home."

Two of the new staff will specifically deal with checks for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

A new base for the team, which includes 15 technicians who carry out the checks and fit smoke alarms, has been built at headquarters.

All the technicians carry an ID card and will travel in service vehicles.

Checks for the elderly and vulnerable are given priority.

Since the launch of the campaign 3,248 calls have been made to the freephone number, 9,500 home fire risk checks have been carried out and 13,920 new smoke alarms have been bought.