Their message is a particularly poignant because on Stop Smoking Day last year an 85-year-old Shoreham man, who was a heavy smoker, died in a fire that started when he fell asleep smoking in his chair.

Jackie Boyle, Community Fire Safety Officer, said: "Smoking materials – such as cigarettes, cigars and pipes – cause the greatest number of fire deaths in the home.

"Between 1995-2005, 1643 people were killed or injured in accidental home fires that were started by smokers' materials.

"Most casualties occurred between 6pm and midnight. The sitting room and the bedroom are the main danger sites, with the sitting room twice as dangerous. Sleeping and inattention are clearly key dangers."

Peter Evans (Con, East Preston and Ferring), county council cabinet member for public protection, said: "The message from our firefighters is quite straightforward – quit smoking or take care when smoking at home, particularly in the evening."

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service advice to smokers is:
Put it out, right out! "Make sure your cigarette is fully extinguished," said Jackie.

Take extra care when you're tired, taking any sort of drugs or have been drinking alcohol. "It's very easy to fall asleep while your cigarette is still burning."

Never smoke in bed. "if you need to lie down, don't light up. You could doze off and set your bed on fire."

Never leave lit cigarettes, cigars or pipes unattended. "They can easily overbalance as they burn down."

Use a proper, heavy ashtray. Make sure it is one that can't tip over easily and is made of a material that won't burn."

Make sure your cigarette is fully extinguished

Tap your ash into an ashtray, never a wastebasket containing other rubbish.

"And don't let the ash or cigarette ends build up in the ashtray."

Fit and maintain a smoke alarm.

"A working smoke alarm can buy you valuable time to get out, stay out and dial 999."

Ask the experts.

"We offer free home fire risk checks to identify potential fire risks and advise what to do to reduce or prevent them."

For further information on fire safety visit www.firekills.gov.uk

For comprehensive coverage of all the stories making the local news, read Friday's edition of the West Sussex County Times newspaper. Website users who wish to purchase a copy of the County Times newspaper but live outside our circulation area can do so by telephoning 01403 751200 and asking for reception. The cost of the newspaper plus postage in England is £1.53 which can be paid for by credit card. Overseas rates are also available, on request.