WIREDGOV

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 Statistics reveal that the number of people aged 17 to 24 killed in accidental house fires, in England, increased by 14 per cent from 2006 to 2007. These figures come despite a 15 per cent 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.

The Government is supporting the campaign by funding 24 fire safety ambassadors students in universities across England to raise awareness of fire safety among their fellow students. The student ambassadors will also work closely with their local fire and rescue services to help spread fire safety messages.

Of all domestic fires in England in 2007, 45 per cent of homes affected did not have a working smoke alarm.

Fire Minister Shahid Malik said:

"It is a tragedy when life is lost through a fire, and seems even more so when young talented people lose their lives for the cost of smoke alarm. As the new Fire Kills Drowning in Smoke advert highlights, it only takes a couple of breaths of toxic smoke to make a person unconscious. I urge parents and students to get a smoke alarm and check it works every week.

"I remember the excitement as a student of moving out of the family home into student digs, and it feeling 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 is available from your local Fire and Rescue Service. Most importantly everyone should make sure they have a working smoke alarm. It's a small device but it could save your life.

"I am grateful that we have students across the country willing to undertake work as Student Fire Safety Ambassadors to spread the messages of the Fire Kills campaign - their work will undoubtedly save lives."

National Union for Students' national vice president welfare Ben Whittaker commented:

"It's an exciting time for all new and returning students, but it's as important as ever that students are mindful of fire safety in their accommodation - and if safety standards aren't adequate, it is vital students address this by complaining to their landlord."

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

Fire and Rescue Services offer free Home Fire Risk Checks to local students. They will visit your home and advise on the best escape route to take, check your home for fire hazards and may also install a working smoke alarm free of charge. For more information on how to protect you and your family from fire and to book a home fire risk check or download leaflets, visit: www.direct.gov.uk/firekills (external link).

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.

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