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News Release

Issued: 25.11.09

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service Helps Local Students Plan Great Escape

Lighting up a cigarette while you study, relaxing with a scented candle or making a bacon butty after a night at the student union – these are all typical student behaviour.

There has been an alarming increase in the number of young people losing their lives in domestic fires. Latest Fire Statistics1 reveal that the number of people aged 17 to 24 killed in accidental house fires, in England, increased by 14% from 2006 to 2007. These figures come despite a 15% drop in the total number of fatal fires in England in the same period. That’s why a Fire Kills campaign is urging students to stay safe from fire, as they move into homes outside the security of halls of residence. That’s why Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) is helping students in Leicester stay safe from fire, as they move into digs.

LFRS are also joining up with the new Student Fire Kills Ambassadors Rebecca Duffin and Hannah Knapman. Hannah will be working to promote fire safety messages to students at Leicester University and Rebecca at De Montfort University. Hannah and Rebecca are two of 24 students specifically funded by the Government to promote fire safety to students.

Of all domestic fires in England in 2007, 45% of homes affected did not have a working smoke alarm, therefore it is essential that students make sure they have alarms in their home and that they check them regularly.

Paul McNally, Firefighter at Central Fire and Rescue Station:

“We are particularly concerned about students, because despite an overall drop in the number of fatal fires in England, we have seen an alarming increase in the number of young people losing their lives in domestic fires.

"For students moving out of the family home into digs, it may feel like a ‘Great Escape’. However, when you live in your own accommodation, you need to know what to do in the event of a fire and that includes knowing how to get out in the event of a fire – the greatest escape of all. Fire safety advice from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service is just one telephone call away and we are always happy to assist. Most importantly everyone should make sure they have a working smoke alarm. It’s a small device but it could save your life.”

LFRS and the Student Fire Kills Ambassadors are holding two events at the two universities. On 26 November at Leicester University and 30 November at De Montfort University, Hannah and Rebecca will be running their event involving a Hot Oil demonstration and running a mobile fire experience unit on campuses to demonstrate the dangers of cooking after a night out.

Here are the Fire Kills campaign’s top tips for ensuring you stay safe from fire in your home:

  • Fit smoke alarms on each level of the house and test them weekly
  • Never leave cooking unattended
  • Take extra care with cigarettes and smoking materials and never smoke in bed – when a cigarette is finished, put it out, right out!
  • Never leave candles or tea lights unattended and ensure that they are put in safe holders
  • Switch off electrical appliances when not in use, unless they’re designed to stay on – like a freezer
  • Check furniture has the fire-resistant permanent label
  • Plan and practice an escape route with your housemates
  • If a fire starts, get out, stay out and call 999

1 Communities and Local Government 2007 Fire Statistics

- ENDS -

Notes to Editors

The Fire Kills Great Escapes campaign is running in tandem with the latest burst of Fire Kills advertising from Communities and Local Government. This will air from 5 October 2009 until March 2010.

Please call on the number below to confirm your attendance.

Interview and Photo Opportunity

Photos can be taken of firefighters conducting the hot oil demonstrations and students taking part in the mobile fire experience unit.

Firefighters will be available for interview on the day regarding student fire safety.

The Student Brand Ambassadors, Hannah Knapman and Rebecca Duffin, will be available for interviews regarding the Student Brand Ambassador Campaign.

Contact Information

Rebecca Duffin,
Student Brand Ambassador for De Montfort University
07917 411575

Hannah Knapman,
Student Brand Ambassador for Leicester University
07535 625244