HUNDREDS of people have been helped in a month of activity aimed at keeping Wirral residents safe from fires in the home.

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service’s "Home Safety Month" was held across the borough in April, with activities ranging from community fire station open days, fire safety talks with schoolchildren and home visits, to sessions with vulnerable people.

The aim of the campaign was to raise awareness around fire safety to reduce the number of deaths or injuries caused by fires in the home.

Firefighters and prevention staff were out in force visiting homes throughout the month and carried out 658 home fire safety checks.

Staff also carried out a two day reassurance campaign in Heswall aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of carbon monoxide.

Wirral district fire chief Paul Murphy said: “The month of action allowed us to engaged with many vulnerable people in the community, as well as families and people of all ages.

“There are a range of issues that can make people particularly vulnerable to fire such as age, alcohol dependency and disability.

“During our visits to the community we have attempted to promote fire safety to as many of these people as possible.

“We hope our efforts will help prevent fires in the home, which can have a devastating impact on people’s lives.”

Jennifer Welsh, Wirral’s district prevention manager, added: “It was great that so many people either attended our events or welcomed our staff into their homes and community groups.

“People listened to the advice given and hopefully came away better equipped to keep themselves safe from fire.

“Partner organisations were hugely supportive of the month and we would like to thank them for helping us reach so many people.”

For free fire safety advice or to request a home fire safety check call 0800 731 5958 or go to merseyfire.gov.uk.