CREWS from Yate fire station dropped in to retirement flats in the town to give residents advice on fire safety and smoke alarms.

The fire fighters met occupiers of the flats at Coopers Court, Westerleigh Road, as part of a campaign to reduce the risk of fire.

They also encouraged them to sign up for a free home fire safety check, which is offered by Avon Fire and Rescue Service.

Fire station manager Martyn Bolt said the check involved taking steps to cut the threat of a fire breaking out.

He said: "We particularly want to promote this service to older people as more than half of all those who die in accidental fires in the home are aged 65 or over.

“Firefighters visit homes to offer fire safety advice tailored to the occupant and fit free smoke alarms, if required.

“We would encourage everyone to ensure they have working smoke alarms fitted on every level of their home and to check the batteries are working regularly.

“A smoke alarm provides an early warning to a fire and gives occupants time to escape, especially at night, but only if the alarms are working.

“Just two or three breaths of toxic smoke from a fire is enough to cause you to lose consciousness, so giving everyone in your home as much time to escape is vital.”