A PUBLIC survey carried out by Bucks Fire Authority show that most people have realised the importance of smoke detectors and have installed them in their homes.

The survey, which was carried out as part of the Fire Authority's Best Value consultation was a random survey of 6,000 residents in Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes, of which 1,000 people responded.

Nearly 90 per cent of homes had smoke detectors and more than 65 per cent of those surveyed had an escape plan should a fire happen.

Damian Smith, Deputy Chief Fire Officer, said: "The figures for ownership of smoke detectors is extremely high and we are very pleased about that. However the brigade has found that fires often occur in homes that have a smoke detector which is not working.

"We are also concerned about the ten per cent who do not own a smoke detector as they are at risk, particularly if a fire starts at night.

"For the price of a packet of cigarettes a smoke detector will give you and your family the chance to escape in safety if a fire starts in your home."

The brigade questioned people about several areas of the service including corporate issues, brigade performance, fire safety and recruitment and equal opportunities.

More than 63 per cent were satisfied with the way that the Fire Authority ran the service and more than 94 per cent thought the service was good value for money.