Cutbacks bring end to free smoke detectors

The Island's fire service says budget cutbacks mean it can no longer afford to supply residents with free smoke detectors. 

Around 5000 units have been fitted during home fire safety visits, since 1997.

But the service is being told to find savings of £130,000 in the current year, a target which will also see an end to the annual free electric blanket checks and school fire safety visits. 

It's hoped private sector sponsors will fund the projects long-term.

Free fire safety advice will continue to be offered but fire chiefs say their reduced budget must be channeled into core fire-fighting capabilities.

Assistant Divisional Officer Carl Kinvig says it's regrettable they can no longer even fit the detectors for vulnerable groups: