FIRE chiefs in Warrington are backing a major national television campaign to help to cut deaths and injuries from house fires.

Every year more than 50,000 accidental house fires are attended by fire and rescue services across the UK.

These fires account for more than 350 unnecessary fatalities and at least 11,000 avoidable injuries annually.

In contrast, research reports that 91 per cent of people do not consider it likely that there will be a fire in their own home.

That is why the Office of the Deputy Prime Minster (ODPM) is launching a national fire prevention advertising campaign today, Thursday.

It will centre on the slogan, 'A fire doesn't have to kill you to take your life'.