FEWER people died or were seriously injured in fires in North Yorkshire last year than in 2015/16.

Statistics released this week by the government showed two people died in the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service area in 2016/17, compared with seven the previous year.

Both people killed last year in fires died in homes, as did six of those who died in fires in 2015/16. The remaining fatality was due to a fire in a car, the figures showed.

Group manager at the fire service Stuart Simpson said: “The service is pleased to see a reduction in these figures. We undertake a number of initiatives to assist people in reducing the risk of the fire in their home and the steps to take should a fire occur. This includes home fire safety visits where members of fire service staff will visit your home to look for any hazards and give advice on fire safety.

“I would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone about the importance of having working smoke alarms fitted on every level of their home. Smoke alarms can provide vital early warnings should a fire occur so it is important to test them regularly to make sure they are still working.”

The average number of fire-related fatalities in the last 10 years was 4.7.

The figures showed seven people were injured in fires in the first three months of 2017, down from 16 in the previous three months, and down from 18 in the same period last year.