FIRE chiefs want a working smoke alarm in every home in Essex as part of their bid to prevent incidents from taking place.

Essex County Fire and Rescue has published a risk management plan as the first stage of its consultation on the future of the service.

Fire chiefs admit they need to make major budget cuts, as unions warn of 179 frontline job losses in the county.

The service’s vision for the future includes a greater focus on fire prevention, such as delivering safety messages to schoolchildren.

Acting chief fire officer Adam Eckley said: “Our entire focus is on saving lives, preventing injury and reducing risk and by far the best way to do this is to work with people and communities to prevent incidents from happening in the first place.

“We are using more sophisticated means than ever to make sure that our help and advice reach those who need it most “ The service wants Essex to be the first county in the country where every home has a smoke alarm.

Mr Eckley said: “We want to make sure every home enjoys the excellent protection smoke alarms offer.”

Fire Brigades Union members in Essex have held multiple strikes this year in protest against proposed cuts.

Union secretary Alan Chinn-Shaw has warned the service’s proposals would lead to “unprecedented cuts”, with a quarter of all frontline firefighters axed.

Essex County Fire and Rescue is seeking public comments on its integrated risk management plan.

To take part, visit essex-fire.gov.uk/essex2020/IRMP_Consultation