FIREFIGHTERS have warned smokers to install smoke alarms following the death of a pensioner.

They say the vulnerable 79-year-old who died in a fire at her home in Wolstanton last week somehow slipped through the safety net of checks by emergency and social services until it was too late.

The pensioner, who has been identified by neighbours as Beryl Wain, is believed to have been a heavy smoker – but had no smoke alarms in her home on Sparch Avenue.

Fire crews used the annual general meeting of Newcastle's 50-Plus Forum on Saturday to urge other residents to ensure they have the potentially life-saving devices fitted and working.

The pensioner is thought to have died in a blaze fire started by a lit cigarette.

And Newcastle firefighters stressed how smoke alarms can save lives in such situations.

They added that some heavy smokers wrongly believe their cigarette fumes will set off the alarms.

But Firefighter Bob Bennett, pictured below, said: "After 30 years in the fire service I have seen enough death and destruction to know the usefulness of smoke alarms.

"That old lady slipped through the net. She was elderly and she was also a heavy smoker. Some people assume their smoking will set off the alarm but smoke alarms are not sensitive to cigarette smoking unless you are directly underneath them."

Crew manager Steve Snape added: "This fire death was absolutely terrible. The poor woman who died was missed by the fire service and other services. She was a vulnerable person who wasn't referred to us. It appears the fire was all to do with smoking."

The pensioner lived alone and it is understood that experts have found that the fire started after she fell asleep while smoking. No working smoke alarms had been fitted at her home and she had never been referred to Staffordshire Fire and Rescue for a home visit.

But, on the day of the fire, she was visited by a district nurse who recognised she needed help.

That nurse wanted a joint assessment with social services arranged and finally made a referral. But less than an hour later, a community matron arrived to discover the house was on fire.

At Saturday's meeting, firefighters handed out leaflets and free canvas shopping bags advertising the phone number for people to book a home check. Forum secretary Margaret Coley said: "The safety of all people, particularly the elderly, is paramount."

Forum committee member, Peter Cotton,aged 73, of Malham Road, Knutton, added: "I had a home fire safety check about a month ago. The firefighters came and changed the battery in my smoke alarm. It gives you peace of mind and a sense of security."

To request a free home fire risk check, call 0800 0241 999.