The Scunthorpe Telegraph is to give away 100 free smoke alarms after a young flat owner tragically burnt to death.

Police say the premature death of the 19-year-old man could have been avoided if there had been batteries fitted in his alarm.

The newspaper is now throwing their weight behind a fire-safety appeal for the area.

It is hoped that the campaign will help to combat figures that show Humberside to have more property fires than anywhere else in England.

Divisional officer Mike Owen, from Scunthorpe fire station, said one fatality in the region was one too many and could have been avoided. He went on to highlight the fact that Humberside had one of the lowest smoke alarm ownership levels in the country.

Homeowners who want to be considered for a free alarm are being asked to write to the Telegraph.

The paper is also urging other companies to back the campaign and it is hoped that the Humberside Fire Brigade will ultimately be able to install 1,000 free smoke alarms.

Back to the campaigns index

Do you have a story about the regional press? Ring 0116 227 3122/3121, or
e-mail [email protected]