Idea to protect vulnerable takes in more homes

Under the Firefly initiative, highly reflective stickers are put on doors of properties occupied by people who might not be able to escape quickly in a fire.

Piloted by crews in Stanningley, Leeds, it will now be implemented at 1,500 homes throughout the city after funding was secured from Leeds City Council.

Dave Smith, station commander at Stanningley fire station, said counterparts in Calderdale had also shown an interest.

“In time I’m convinced that it will save someone’s life,” he added.

It is thought the idea for Firefly was developed after the daughter of a British firefighter saw a similar scheme in use in the United States.

West Yorkshire is understood to be one of the first areas in this country to have trialled the scheme.

The stickers are visible to fire fighters in normal or low light levels, as well as extremely smoky or dusty conditions.

A report to West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s community safety committee said: “In the event of a fire in the home where vulnerable occupants are unable to make a safe escape from the room identified by Firefly, firefighters will be able to quickly locate the room enabling a swift rescue.”

The stickers will be fitted to doors of bedrooms where a vulnerable person – for example someone who is elderly or disabled, as well as young children – may be asleep. Six of Leeds’s area committees have each agreed to provide £500 to roll out the scheme.