Pictured above: Firefighters lit a fire in this specially-constructed bedsit and put it out two minutes later as part of a public fire safety demonstration at an open day - see story for details. Click HERE for a picture of the fire burning.

This page was originally prepared for readers of the Bucks Free Press Student Life guide in 2007 but the advice within it applies to all students everywhere!

College and university students in shared or rented accommodation are being urged to keep safe from fire.

The plea comes from firefighters and community safety staff at Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service, who say that hectic student lifestyles coupled with partying, smoking and drinking mean students could be putting themselves at a higher risk of fire.

Over the past five years cigarettes, smoking materials and candles have been the cause of 1,900 student injuries in the UK, with many students putting themselves at extra risk by not having a working smoke alarm.

Students are putting themselves in further danger when they come home from a night out drinking and prepare a midnight feast on the stove. More than half of student deaths in fires occur through the misuse of cooking appliances and careless handling of hot substances. Students are recommended to feast on less hazardous snacks after drinking, such as fruit, sandwiches and ice cream.

Terry Ridgley, head of Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service's community safety team, said: "Students need to be aware of fire safety issues in their home. Fires can cause huge devastation, so the effort of fitting and regularly checking a smoke alarm means you, your housemates and your possessions will be safe.

"We are keen to get this message across to anyone who is about to start further education in Buckinghamshire or Milton Keynes, or who is about to enter university or college life elsewhere in the country, and who will be living in rented, shared or bedsit-style accommodation."

The campaign has also attracted the attention of Hollyoaks star Kent Riley, who plays Zak Ramsey in the Channel 4 drama. He said: "It's so easy nowadays for students to overwork themselves - if they're not studying, then most have part-time jobs.

"As a result they don't have much time on their hands and a lot of students don't realise that they're putting themselves in danger by not following some basic fire safety procedures.

"Students might not be aware that they can request a home fire safety visit from their local fire and rescue service who can provide and fit a smoke alarm for free - and we all know students love anything that's free! I'd urge students to take advantage of this opportunity and stay safe from fire."

Firefighters and community safety staff gave at dramatic demonstration at this month's open day at Bletchley Fire Station showing just how quickly a typical bedsit could go up in flames. Within two minutes of a firefighter setting light to a specially-constructed furnished room it was full of smoke and engulfed in flames.

Simple tips for keeping safe from fire in student accommodation are:

• Fit smoke alarms on each level of the house and test them weekly

• Don't leave cooking unattended

• Do not attempt to cook whilst under the influence of alcohol

• Don't overload plug sockets

• Switch off electrical appliances like mobile chargers and hair straighteners when not in use

• Take extra care with cigarettes and smoking materials

• Never leave candles unattended

• Know your rights: landlords are responsible for supplying safe gas appliances and electrical wiring

• Check furniture has the permanent fire-resistant label

• Practise an escape route with your housemates

• If a fire starts get out, stay out and dial 999.

If you live in Buckinghamshire or Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service will carry out a free fire safety check in your home and fit free smoke alarms where necessary. To book an appointment, ring 01296 744477 or send an email to cs@bucksfire.gov.uk

Two fire safety leaflets aimed at students and other people living in rented accommodation are available for download here:

Protect yourself

Fire safety for people in shared or rented accommodation