LANCASHIRE's fire chief has issued a grim warning about the need for smoke alarms following a tragic death in the county.
A man died in a house fire in Lancaster where a smoke alarm was fitted but the battery had been removed.
Last year 16 people died and a further 600 were injured as a result of domestic fires in Lancashire and statistics show that people are twice as likely to die in a fire where there is no working smoke alarm.
"Most deaths and injuries could have been prevented if a smoke alarm had been fitted," said Chief Fire Officer Peter Holland. "Many lives are needlessly lost by not having working smoke alarms in the home. When a fire starts you have only a few minutes to escape. A smoke alarm can buy everyone valuable time and ensure you get out before it is too late.
"Smoke alarms are available for less than £5 and that is a small price to pay for keeping your family alive," he added.
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