ONE smoke alarm is not enough, householders are being warned by Cumbria firefighters.

Latest fire statistics reveal that a single alarm may not be enough to give the best chance of escaping a house fire - and Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service is encouraging people to fit enough smoke alarms to cover their entire home.

According to figures, smoke alarms alerted householders to a fire in just a third of cases, despite 88 per cent of homes having at least one working alarm.

The most common reason a smoke alarm failed to activate was because the fire was outside its range.

Mark Ducie, fire prevention manager for Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, said: "We must all make sure we have enough smoke alarms to cover our whole homes. If you don’t have enough, or they’re not in the right place, you might not be alerted in time.

"The vast majority of us now have at least one smoke alarm in our homes, but early detection and warning is vital to reduce the devastation a fire in the home can cause. That’s why it’s so important you have enough smoke alarms and they are in the right place to have the best chance of alerting you and your loved ones to a fire.

"You should make sure you have at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home, preferably in hallways and landings; and placing smoke detectors near to sleeping areas and in rooms where there are electrical appliances could give you the extra warning you need.

"It’s also important to remember smoke alarms don’t last forever. The power might work but the detection mechanism deteriorates with time. So whether they are battery operated or wired to the mains, to work at their best they should be replaced every ten years.

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service offers these five smoke alarm tips:

- 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

- consider fitting extra 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 smoke alarms every ten years.

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service is also urging carers and people who keep a close eye on less able relatives and neighbours to check their homes have enough smoke alarms in the right places.

It is also reminding everyone to test smoke alarms every month.

Don’t forget to test your smoke alarms every month – press to test, monthly is best.

For further advice or if you would like additional smoke alarms fitted in your property, please call Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service on 0800-3584777.