FIRE chiefs in Cheshire are encouraging people to review the smoke alarms they have in their homes.

While the majority of homes (91 per cent) have at least one working smoke alarm, statistics show that one alarm may not be enough to provide householders with the best chance of escaping a fire.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service says they only alerted householders to one in three fires in the home in England with the most common reason for a smoke alarm failing to activate was because the fire was outside its range.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service's Head of Prevention, Nick Evans, said: "We all must make sure that we have enough smoke alarms in our homes and that they are in the right places.

"If your whole home isn't covered, you could be leaving it to chance and, in a fire, you might not get the early warning that you need.

"The vast majority of us now have at least one working smoke alarm in our home, but early detection and warning is vital to reduce the devastation a fire can cause.

"That's why it's so important that you have enough smoke alarms and that they are in the right places. That will give them the best chance of alerting you and your loved ones to a fire."

The fire chief says that householders should have at least one working smoke alarm on every level of their property, preferably in hallways and landings while placing smoke alarms near to sleeping areas and in rooms where there are electrical appliances provides extra warning.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service recommends:

• A single smoke alarm is not enough - install at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home. The ideal position is on the ceiling, in the middle of a room or on a hallway or landing.

• Fit additional alarms in other rooms where there are electrical appliances and near sleeping areas.

• Don't put alarms in or near kitchens and bathrooms where smoke or steam can set them off by accident.

• Replace your smoke alarms every ten years.

• Keep a close eye on less able relatives to check that their homes have enough smoke alarms in the right places.

• Test all smoke alarms regularly.