AS the clocks go back this Sunday to mark the end of British Summer Time (BST), the fire service are encouraging residents of St Albans to test their smoke alarm.

Herts Fire Service are supporting the national Fire Kills campaign throughout October which reminds people to check their smoke alarm is in working order.

Chief Fire Officer Roy Wilsher of Herts Fire and Rescue said: “Everyone soon notices when a clock stops ticking but it’s not so easy to be sure that your smoke alarm is in working order.

“You’re more than four times as likely to die in a fire without a working smoke alarm, but only half of people who own an alarm say they take the time to check it regularly.”

Just last month a family from Harpenden escaped a house fire when their smoke alarm sounded. The fire was swiftly brought under control and although significant damage was done to their kitchen, the lives of the family were, said Mr Wilsher, saved as a result of their working alarm.

County cllr Richard Thake, executive member for community safety, said: “We’re all looking forward to getting that extra hours sleep at the end of BST, but knowing that your smoke alarm is in working order could help you sleep that little bit better.

“We give this campaign our full support and hope that residents will make a habit of testing their smoke alarms as frequently as every week.”