FIREFIGHTERS will be on hand this weekend to offer free home fire advice in the wake of a fatal house fire last week.

Crews from Darlington and Newton Aycliffe Fire Stations will host an incident command unit in the car park of Asda, in Whinbush Way, Darlington, from 10am to 5pm tomorrow (Saturday).

Fire officials say the aim is to warn and inform people of the dangers of fire and offer free, practical advice to help people stay safe.

Crews will also be out and about in the area carrying out free home fire safety checks and fitting smoke alarms where they are needed.

Police from the Harrogate Hill beat team will join firefighters at the event to offer crime safety advice throughout the day.

A man died following a fire in a property in Elmcroft, off Salters Lane North, on Friday, February 20.

Phil Innis, district manager for Darlington District, said: “Following any serious house fire we want to act quickly to ensure that people in the area have the information and advice they and their families need to stay safe in their homes.

"We invite people to come along on Saturday to find out more or take up the offer of a free home fire safety check from the crews in the area.”

The fire service advises people that having a working smoke alarm will greatly increase the chances of escaping a fire unharmed. At home, the advice is to have an exit route planned and make sure that everyone living in the property knows how to leave quickly in the event of fire.

For more information visit ddfire.gov.uk or to book a home fire safety check call 0845-223-4221.