The first occurred on a Sunday afternoon at a flatted property above an Indian restaurant in East High Street, followed by a second serious fire in Viewmount last Thursday evening.

Watch manager Alan Shepherd explained that, although the flat in East High Street had two smoke alarms, none had batteries and were unserviceable.

There was extensive damage to the kitchen of the flat and, whilst the family who lived there managed to escape Sunday's blaze, he warned if the fire had happened during the evening the consequences could have been far more serious.

The retained firefighters were again called out at 9.30 pm on Thursday evening to tackle a major blaze at Viewmount.

Mr Shepherd explained: "On arrival we discovered a well-developed fire in the rear bedroom of the second floor maisonette.

"Flames were coming out of the window and four fire fighters wearing breathing apparatus fought the fire internally.

"They encountered an intense heat in the heavily smoke-logged premises.

"One female had escaped the fire, with her pet dog, to a neighbour.

"Firefighters also had to fight the fire externally to save it from spreading to the roof."

There was extensive fire damage on the second floor of the property; if it had not been for the prompt attention of the fire service, the property would have been lost.

Two appliances from Forfar attended both incidents.

Mr Shepherd was anxious to get the message out into the local community about the life saving benefits of fitting a smoke alarm, and ensuring the batteries work.

"We have to highlight the fact that people have to make sure their smoke alarms are working. I would ask readers to go and check their smoke alarms after reading this article."

The Forfar fire crew have now dealt with three major house fires this year - the first one being in Taranty Road.

As part-time fire fighters, who also carry out their main line of work, they are aware they are there to protect the community.

However, they say it has to be two way.

Mr Shepherd added: "We are here to protect the community of Forfar. However, the community has to protect themselves.

"Prevention is better than cure - our motto is to protect the community but the community must protect themselves by testing their smoke alarms.

"We have to drive the message home that people have to be vigilant."

Following last week's fire local fire fighters will carry out a leaflet drop in the Viewmount area.

Tayside Fire and Rescue will also arrange to fit smoke detectors in anyone's home and can carry out a fire safety visit at the same time.