FIREFIGHTERS were called out 82 times to Bournemouth University accommodation over the last year - and dealt with just three blazes.

The majority of calls outs were for "fire alarm good intent" - for example burning toast, often in the early hours of the morning, They were called out 50 times, including 11 malicious calls, to one accommodation block alone - Cranborne House at the Lansdowne.

Students living there were nearly 20 times more likely to make prank calls or set off alarms deliberately than other residents in town.

The figures, obtained by the Daily Echo under the Freedom of Information Act, also showed the call-outs cost an estimated £10,499.

Only three call-outs were classified as property fires. Another 20 were to release people from lifts or due to faults in the system.

University-managed student flats and halls of residence had far more call-outs than houses or privately managed accommodation.

Individual student houses let by landlords are not included in the figures.

Craig Baker, Dorset Fire Service's group manager, said: "We think of the call-out not the cost involved, but when it mounts up in that way it's significant. "More important is the type of calls we're taking. Malicious calls are potentially taking firefighters from real emergencies, real fires, real car crashes."

He stressed fire safety awareness and added: "It might seem quite simple, but if you are cooking, keep a watch on it."

University press officer Emma Wray said: "While we are concerned about the small number of malicious call-outs, we do recognise individuals are responsible for their behaviour.

"Equally, we are extremely grateful to Dorset Fire and Rescue for their invaluable service they provide to our students, many of whom may be experiencing new situations from a health and safety perspective.

"We will continue to brief students on their conduct, especially those arriving for the start of the new term, while reminding them of the right time to call emergency services."