York's new initiative to target arson received a boost today with a new fire safety vehicle being handed over to North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service. The new community fire safety vehicle has been funded through sponsorship and donations from a range of organisations, including City of York Council.

The council's housing services team has entered into a partnership agreement with the fire service which will involve both organisations fitting 700 smoke alarms, which have a ten year life, to council homes within the city.

The council has agreed to provide £10,000 in the current financial year of which £3,000 has been put towards the fire service purchasing a fire safety vehicle. It will have many uses, including being used to help fit the smoke alarms and promoting fire safety within the city.

Councillor Viv Kind, executive member for housing, said; "We are investing £200,000 each year to improve fire safety in council homes within the city, particularly in our flats. This scheme will provide ten year smoke alarms to homes, reminding people of the importance of keeping their homes protected from fire, and help save lives."

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