A short film warning that just three breaths of fire smoke can be fatal has been launched by Kent Fire and Rescue Service.

The video shows the devastating effects of a fire in a family home.

Its content is deliberately shocking in a bid to promote the critical role of working smoke alarms in keeping people safe.

KFRS is offering a wide range of services and downloadable information to the public, and asking people to visit www.3breaths.info to find out more about their own risk levels.

Government research has found more than 50 per cent of people overestimate how much time they have to escape – 13 per cent believe they could survive for more than 10 minutes in a smoke filled room.

Steve Griffiths, KFRS community safety director, said: “We really hope this film helps people understand how rapidly a fire can take hold and the danger of the toxic smoke, which will usually kill people before the flames.
“Visitors to the 3breaths pages of our website can get a clearer picture of their own risk level, and take the necessary steps to keep themselves safe.

"If people need further advice we encourage them to call us.”

All of KFRS’s services to the public are free, including phone calls to the advice line on 0800 923 7000. Alternatively people can email home@kent.fire-uk.org

KFRS offers wide ranging support for people across the community, with specialist alarms and support available for those with hearing or visual impairment.

Click here, www.3breaths.info to see the video.