One of Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service's Target Fire Teams paid a visit to Khizra Mosque in Cheetham Hill to raise awareness of the Target Fire initiative amongst the Muslim community.

The scheme 'Target Fire' was introduced by Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service in April 2004. As part of the free service, Target Fire teams visit homes to carry out a Home Fire Risk Assessment, fit smoke alarms and give fire safety advice to householders.

The latest figures show that in areas where the scheme is operating fires are down by 4% compared with a reduction of less than 1% elsewhere in Greater Manchester. The 4% reduction means there were 43 fewer fires compared with the previous years figures.

Since the project started over 6600 home visits have been completed and over 10,000 smoke alarms installed. In addition, over 14000 fire safety leaflets have been issued.

County Fire Officer Barry Dixon said Although in its infancy, this project is already proving to be successful. As a result of the visit to the Khizra mosque our Target Fire teams will be visiting over 60 homes in the local area. We are now planning to identify additional mosques in our target areas throughout the County and arrange similar visits.

Cllr Mohammed Afzal Khan, President of the Khizra Mosque and Deputy Lord Mayor of Manchester, said: The event was very successful with many members of the community taking an interest in this worthwhile scheme. They will now have free home safety checks and smoke alarms installed by the fire service. This will not only improve their safety but also assist in the governments vision of 'safer communities'.

Anyone wanting a free Home Fire Risk Assessment should contact the Target Fire free phoneline on 0800 555 815 or visit the Fire Service website at www.manchesterfire.gov.uk and click on Target Fire.