THE number of house fires which firefighters attended in Gwent which did not have a smoke alarm fitted fell by 48 last year, new figures show.

Figures obtained from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service under the Freedom of Information Act showed there were 214 houses affected by fire in Gwent, which did not have a smoke alarm fitted in 2009/10 compared with 166 in 2010/11.

The number of activated smoke alarms, which did not raise the alarm during a blaze in the home was 34 during both years.

Meanwhile the number of smoke alarms, which successfully alerted residents or members of the public to a fire was 146 in 2009/10 and 132 in 2010/11.

All the figures obtained were for house fires only.

Fire investigation officer, Mick Flanagan said smoke alarms are essential in any home.

He said: “They are essential as far as I’m concerned.

Every home should have them. All newbuilds nowby law have hardwired smoke alarms fitted and new legislation was passed in Wales in April to bring sprinkle systems into new homes as well. “A smoke alarm is a cheap, quick and effective way to give you early warning of a fire, not just in houses, but in caravans and other dwellings.”

The fire service offers free home fire safety visits with advice on how to make your home safe and to fit smoke alarms for free. Anyone living in South Wales is eligible for the service. For more information call 01443 232000.

EDITORIAL COMMENT: Be alarmed

IT is encouraging to note that the number of smoke alarms fitted to homes in our area appears to be rising.

According to a Freedom of Information report the number of house fires in Gwent in which a smoke alarm was not fitted fell by about a quarter last year against the year before.

Although statistics can be misleading it does appear that more and more people are heeding the message that smoke alarms can save your goods, your home and your life.

They cost very little and, if requested, can be fitted for free by the fire service.

It is especially important for the alarms to be fitted in homes where there are children or where children visit regularly.

Apart from the danger of children causing fires themselves they are often victims of smoke asphyxiation because they go to bed much earlier than the adults.

We have seen too many tragic stories over the years where the lack of a smoke alarm may have contributed to the death of small children and we strongly urge all readers, especially parents and carers, to get a smoke alarm fitted as soon as possible.