Fire Safety Awareness Week began yesterday its aim is to promote the importance of smoke detectors.

Home Affairs Minister David Burch launched the celebrations.

This year's theme, "smoke detectors, a sound you can live with", will be acknowledged throughout North America and the UK.

Senator Burch said: "Public safety is a top priority in the islands of Bermuda and safety from fire is important to our citizens and to local firefighters who put their lives on the line with every response to a fire.

"This week is designed to encourage Bermuda residents to take action to prevent fires and to prepare to protect yourself should a fire strike.

"Employing good fire safety practices in your homes is paramount to the safety of you and your families. Things that can be done include having a home fire escape plan, installing and maintaining smoke alarms through our homes and buildings and regular fire safety drills."

Sen. Burch said the goal was to reduce injury or death.

"I am pleased to note that this year for the first time, the Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service are going into the community with outreach to both ends of the Island during Fire Safety Week to carry the message to as wide an audience as possible.

"With that effort and media coverage I am confident we will reach a majority of our citizens."

Fire Safety Awareness will wrap up on Friday.