The number of people dying annually in fires in West Yorkshire has dropped below 30 for the first time, figures for 1997 reveal.

And the latest figures from West Yorkshire Fire Service show there were no deaths last year in those homes protected by smoke detectors.

The number of deaths caused by fire fell from 37 in 1996 to 29 last year.

Assistant Chief Officer (Fire Safety) for West Yorkshire, David Monks, said the statistics proved that smoke detectors, when working properly, saved lives.

He said: "It is very relevant that, in 1997, not a single person in the county died from fire in a building protected by a smoke alarm.

"How many more lives could we save if we managed to increase smoke alarm ownership to 100 per cent of homes?"

Mr Monks added that, of the 29 deaths, 20 could have been prevented by fire safety measures. The others were due to suicide, murder or fires following vehicle collisions.

The new figures come as homes in Bradford Moor, Thornbury and Thorpe Edge are being fitted with 600 detectors worth £2,000.

Community Safety Officer Councillor Jack Womersley said: "Firefighters from Idle and hopefully from Bradford will be going out two hours a day to places at risk and fitting the smoke detectors.

"The aim is to raise the awareness of how vital smoke alarms are. If you have one in your home you are three times less likely to die if a fire breaks out than if you don't have an alarm."

Bradford Council's Bradford North Area Panel bought the detectors with a grant from its Community Chest. The fire service has also provided an extra 200 smoke alarms.

Fire officers on light duties will be fitting them in houses where there is most need and offering advice on fire safety. They will all carry identification.

But Mr Monks said the reduction in deaths was no cause for complacency.

He said: "Despite this being the lowest figure ever for preventable deaths, this is still an area where we should concentrate our resources. Smoke detectors are one of the most important weapons in our armoury in the fight against fire deaths."

In single-storey homes, he said detectors should be fitted in the hallway between the living and sleeping areas. Ideally, two-storey houses should have two.

They should always be attached to the ceiling, unless the instructions say otherwise, and away from heaters and air vents. They should also be checked regularly to ensure the batteries are working and they are free from dust and dirt.

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