Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) will be knocking on doors across Kent and Medway to offer free home fire safety checks to hundreds of residents.

Launching this week, the days of action will take place over four dates, with crews and KFRS support staff working together to reach as many people as possible.

The visits will last about ten minutes and firefighters will offer to test, relocate, and install smoke alarms where needed. They will also provide home safety advice tailored to each home and answer any questions.

Leanne McMahon, KFRS’ Director of Protection, Prevention and Engagement, said: “This will be our third year of holding Fight Against Fire days of action, which involves crews and teams from across the entire service, who are all committed to helping people to stay safe.

“These days are a great opportunity to ensure people are taking the right precautions to live safely and to reduce the risk of a fire or other emergency.

“But the main aim is to check every home has enough working smoke alarms and to check they are in date, as most smoke alarms have a lifespan of 10 years. If a home needs a new smoke alarm, our crews will offer to install a new one.”

Teams will be visiting areas in:

Thursday, 5 February 
Chatham 
Dartford 
Deal 
Folkestone 
Tunbridge Wells

Tuesday, 10 February 
Canterbury 
Herne Bay 
Dover
Maidstone 
Strood

Monday, 16 February 
Margate 
Sevenoaks 
Whitstable 
Rochester 
Sittingbourne

Wednesday, 25 February
Faversham 
Larkfield 
Ramsgate
Sheppey
Thames-side 
Tonbridge

What residents can expect

KFRS firefighters knocking on doors: 

• Will be carrying Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) photo ID. You can call 0800 923 7000 to verify that they work for the service
• Will be wearing KFRS branded uniform
• Will have a fire engine or KFRS marked vehicle parked nearby
• Will never ask for money or bank details
• Will never carry out a home fire safety visit without your permission or supervision

While a uniformed officer will lead the home fire safety visit, some may be accompanied by a non-uniformed member of the KFRS team.

Home Fire Safety Visits are an important part of a firefighters’ everyday role when they aren’t responding to emergencies or training, and they visit residential areas throughout the year to offer free checks. 

KFRS also offers free, pre-booked Safe and Well home visits for residents over 70, people with a long-term health condition, smokers, families with children under five, and expectant parents. Call the team on 0800 923 7000 to find out more.