West Sussex County Council’s Fire & Rescue Service has become one of the first in the UK to offer free radio-linked smoke alarms to its most vulnerable residents.

Known as Firelink , the alarms link to existing ‘Careline’ or ‘Lifeline’ monitoring centres and effectively give an occupier the domestic equivalent of an automatic fire detection system.

If a fire breaks out, the radio-linked smoke alarm transmits a signal to a remote monitoring centre via a control box mounted in the occupier’s home. To reduce false alarms the operator will contact the occupier before passing the call to the emergency services.

This system can shorten the time between a fire occurring and the initial call to the fire service, which means help can be on the way more quickly and improving the chances of survival, explained Community Fire Safety Officer Roger Wood .

"West Sussex has a large elderly population - Worthing has the highest proportion of residents aged over 85 in England. Many of them have disabilities that make it difficult for them to dial 999 and they can often live in relative isolation, relying on the support of social services and health visitors. It is these residents who are most vulnerable and need a higher level of protection than that provided by a standard domestic smoke alarm. All too often their first contact with the Fire Service is that 999 call, which could be too late."

Lionel Barnard is the County Council Cabinet Member responsible for Public Protection. He said: "There are several caring organisations and charities which regularly visit our most vulnerable residents and are fully aware of their circumstances.

"By building a partnership with them the Fire and Rescue Service is able to target resources more effectively. When they receive a referral arrange a Home Fire Safety Risk Assessment is carried out to consider individual needs."

If the resident does not qualify for a Firelink alarm, smoke alarms with a 10-year battery will be installed instead.

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service has been piloting the scheme in the Chichester and Adur districts. The scheme has now been extended countywide with funding from a Public Service Agreement.

WSCC AUDIO NEWS LINK- COMMUNITY FIRE SAFETY OFFICER ANDY MATHEWS