MORE than one in five Bradford homes where fires broke out last year did not have smoke alarms installed, new figures have revealed

And worryingly where detectors were fitted, more than a quarter - 25.42 per cent - failed to work because they were wrongly positioned, faulty, or had no batteries.

West Yorkshire fire chiefs say the figures – obtained by the Telegraph & Argus – demonstrate the importance not only of having an alarm fitted, but checking it works.

Between January and November last year, Bradford firefighters attended 299 house fires compared to 344 in the whole of 2013.

In 20.74 per cent of those fires – there was no smoke alarm in the property.

The figure compares to 22.09 per cent, the previous year, which showed some encouraging improvement, said Tom Rhodes, Bradford district prevention manager for the West Yorkshire brigade.

"It's just so important that people have their smoked detectors checked and working," Mr Rhodes said.

"Sadly too many take them down off the ceiling or wall when they start chirruping as the battery goes flat, and then don't put them back properly.

"People say, 'Oh I'll do that next week' - but fire alarms are essential, please do it now.

"The percentages have improved year-on-year and it is true that people are becoming more aware of how to use them and not put them in the wrong places.

"An important point to make is when people buy a new home and walk in for the first time, the first thing they do is shut and lock the front door behind them to stop burglars.

"Well fire safety should even come before that.

"There were 900 fires across the UK where fire alarms didn't work and people were killed or injured last year.

"Check your fire alarms work, are in the right place and that the property's electrics are in good working order before even closing that front door."

Smoke alarms should be fitted as close to the centre of the room as possible, but at least a foot away from any wall or light fitting.

You should always make sure that your alarm is fitted in a place where it can be heard throughout your home – particularly when you are asleep.

If your home is on one level, you should fit the alarm in the hallway between the living and sleeping areas. If you have only one smoke alarm and two floors, put it where you can hear it when you’re asleep – in the ceiling at the top of the stairs leading to the bedrooms.

If you have a TV or other large electrical appliance in your bedroom, you should fit a smoke alarm there.

To book a free home fire safety check, visit westyorksfire.gov.uk or call 0800 5874536.

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