of blazes erupting in Bermuda.

The 120-page guide -- issued free by the Bermuda Fire Services Association -- is packed with hints on fire safety.

According to Lt. Jon Thompson of the Bermuda Fire Service, it is the first time a guide promoting fire safety has been circulated in Bermuda. In 1995, a total of 455 fires caused more than $1.4 million in damage.

The new handbook contains easy-to-follow advice to prevent unsafe practices in the home resulting in fires, such as: Never leave children alone in the house; Do not smoke when you are sleepy; Check for faulty electrical wires. Electrical fires may smoulder for days behind walls before erupting into a fire; Check cords for worn or frayed plug connections and do not overload outlets; and Do not store gasoline or other flammable liquids in your house.

Copies of the Bermuda Fire Services Association's Fire Prevention booklet are available at grocery and variety stores, pharmacies and gas stations throughout the Island.

FIRE! -- By following the advice in the new Fire Prevention Handbook, published by the Bermuda Fire Service Association, residents could possibly avoid a devastating fire like the one pictured above.