CHIMNEYS, candles and fireworks make the end of the British summer a busy time of year for fire crews across Dorset and Hampshire.

Now fire services from the two counties are hoping to spark the public conscience with an early warning of seasonal dangers triggered by the turning back of the clock this Sunday.

Hampshire's fire fighters are asking people to add a check on their smoke alarm batteries to the seasonal alteration of clocks. "All households should have at least one smoke alarm on every level of their property to ensure family safety. Now that clocks are going back it's a good time to ensure they work effectively," said watch manager, Daniel Miles.

Longer and colder evenings mean a greater use of electricity as people turn on fires and lights to keep out the winter gloom. But the extra use of electricity gives fire fighters cause for concern.

"These factors all increase fire risks in the home with people using more electricity and possibly overloading plug sockets," said Mr Miles.

Dorset fire and rescue service is sending out smoke signals to warn people of the dangers of a blocked chimney.

The service has seen a considerable increase in the number of chimney fires in the west of the county and stations in Bridport, Sherborne and Dorchester have been especially busy.

Bedtime checks are most important, and fire crews are urging the public to extinguish open fires before retiring to bed. "Most of the incidents attended over the past week have been between 7pm and 9pm," a spokesman said.

The county's fire service has issued a few extra guidelines, which they hope will douse the recent spate of flue fires.

Owners of open fires are urged to fit a smoke detector, use a fireguard, and occasionally check their loft space for smoke, cracks, or defective joints in the brickwork.

A qualified chimney sweep can also help to ensure fireside safety this winter, according to Dorset fire chiefs. "A registered chimney sweep will know what to look for - cracks in the flue, excessive soot, birds' nests and other debris. Use their experience," said a spokesman for the county's fire brigade.