An appeal to the public to recognise the importance of having a home fire safety check from North Wales Fire and Rescue Service has been issued following the inquest into the death of a man in a house fire in Llanrwst earlier this year.

Crews from Llanrwst and Betws Y Coed were called to reports of a fire in a detached bungalow at Llys y Bioden, Llanrwst at 8.20hrs on Wednesday 26 June when the body of 97 year old Mr Alfred Hodges was discovered in the property.

A joint investigation into the cause of the fire by North Wales Fire and Rescue Service and North Wales Police determined the fire originated in a toaster.

Gary Brandrick, Senior Fire Safety Manager at North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said:
"A home fire safety check is available free of charge from North Wales Fire and Rescue Service - as well as fitting potentially life saving smoke alarms we will also raise awareness of the dangers of fire in the home, give you hints and tips on how to stay safe  and help you to formulate an escape plan which could mean the difference between life and death.

"Smoke alarms provide a vital early warning sign which allows you and your family to escape safely from a fire.
 
"We offer home fire safety checks to all residents in North Wales. To register, please call 0800 169 1234, visit www.nwales-fireservice.org.uk or e-mail cfs@nwales-fireservice.org.uk. A member of the service will then contact you to arrange a convenient time to visit your home."