THE number of people killed by fire has hit a 40-year low.

Figures just published by the DTLR reveal that 25 people died in fires in Greater Manchester in 2000 compared with 39 the previous year.

Nationally, 595 people were killed by fire and 396 of those were in blazes started accidentally in the home.

The figures, published by the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, also reveal that malicious and deliberate fires rose by eight per cent.

In Greater Manchester, 1,905 people suffered non-fatal injuries in fires and 1,496 of those blazes started in the home.

Minister for Fire Safety, Alan Whitehead, welcomed the figures but said he was concerned about the high proportion of accidental fires in the home.

"That is why we are working through campaigns and local community fire safety initiatives to educate people about the steps they can take to protect themselves.

"I urge everyone to take fire safety seriously - fit and maintain a working smoke alarm; take care in the kitchen especially around chip pans.

"It can make all the difference in saving lives - and will drive these shocking statistics down even further," he said.

The figures also showed that arson was on the increase and the overall cost to the economy in England and Wales was £2.1 billion a year.