Firefighters are calling on parents to make their children aware of fire safety when they fly the nest.

The fire service is getting the word out to young people on Student Fire Safety Week.

A spokesperson for Cumbria Fire and Rescue said: “If you could give yourself some advice before heading off to uni what would it be? If you dropped your kids off at uni this weekend, make sure they have a safe first term.”

Figures show that emergency services attend 60 fires per year at student accommodation buildings.

Fire service personnel are advising students not to prop open fire doors and to be vigilant of signs that one may be faulty.

Fire doors should close firmly and must be effective.

Smoke and fire alarms must not be covered up or ignored when they go off.

Do not let rubbish build up in hallways and keep escape routes clear.

Sockets must not be overloaded and do not cook after drinking alcohol. Students are also asked not to smoke indoors.

Student Fire Safety Week 2020 is running from October 26 to November 1.