EFFORTS to prevent a re-occurrence of the major blazes that have dogged Marlborough throughout its history continue with a fire safety event.

It will be taking place on Tuesday between 10am and 4pm at the town hall where a variety of fire prevention and detection systems will be on show.

Firefighters will also be on hand to give advice on fire prevention in a town that is considered of greater risk because of its historic timber framed buildings.

The event is being organised, with the support of the Wiltshire Fire Brigade, by the town's unique Fire Forum. It was set up following a blaze in 1998 that gutted shops and the living accommodation above on the lower side of the High Street by the town hall.

The fire forum has worked closely with local firefighters to spread the message to property owners and tenants that prevention should be the byword.

The town council has made domestic smoke alarms available free upon application to its offices at 5 High Street and still has a limited supply available.

Firefighters led by the Marlborough fire station commander, David Ward, have made repeat visits to every premises in the town centre, both commercial and residential, to offer advice on fire prevention.

But Mr Ward said there remained concern that some property owners were not taking sufficient precautions.

Some premises, he said, did not have regular checks on their electrical wiring that in some cases was hazardous. Other property owners, tenants or landlords have failed to provide any smoke or fire detection systems.

Tuesday's fire safety event is by and large aimed at the commercial premises in the town centre, added Mr ward. But he said firefighters would be happy to visit homes to provide advice if householders contacted the fire station in The Parade.

He said: "We do not want to be alarmist but we are aware that there are still premises that have no fire or smoke detection systems at all."