Freshers' Fayre at the University of Bedfordshire gave students the chance to find out more about campus life and to find out at first hand from the Fire and Rescue Service the simple steps they can take to keep themselves safe from fire.

Community Safety Officers from Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service (BLFRS) gave students advice and urged them to keep save from fire in rented accommodation.

Hectic student lifestyles 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 nationally, with many students putting themselves at unnecessary risk by not having a working smoke alarm.

Students are putting themselves in further danger when they come home from a night out at a party or pub and prepare a midnight feast on the stove - 55% 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.

"Students need to be aware of fire safety issues in the home and fitting a smoke alarm and testing the battery every week will protect students and their possessions from the devastation of fire.