THE fire service is urging people to be vigilant following an increase in house fires recently.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service saw an increase in accidental dwelling fires reported during the extreme cold of December.
There were four fire deaths from April to January, but this was down on the previous year, when there were seven.
Peter Holland, president of the Chief of Fire Officers’ Association (CFOA), said: "The tragedies that we have seen in some areas of the country serve as a stark reminder to us all of the importance of working smoke alarms and the need to have an escape plan should it become necessary to evacuate.
“During periods of cold weather it is particularly important for everyone to take extra care especially when using all forms of heating or cooking equipment. Alcohol is also often a major contributory factor in instances of fire deaths and injuries."
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