DORSET fire chiefs fear the recent spate of fire-related deaths tell only part of a more alarming tale.

Six deaths in two months have prompted Dorset Fire and Rescue to take a close look at the common factors in the blazes.

The two primary causes have been cigarettes and electric heaters, but firefighters believe the fatal incidents are just part of the story.

"We are only called out to 20 per cent of these fires," said Steve Mant, fire investigation officer.

"In the other 80 per cent, the fire will put itself out and we don't get the call.

"But these are exactly the type of scenarios where people have lost lives recently."

Dorset Fire and Rescue yesterday staged mock blazes to illustrate exactly how easy it is for a cigarette or heater to set light to a sofa or bed.

Furniture was destroyed in minutes by the ravages of the flames, though victims would be overcome by fumes far quicker, said firefighters.

"The end of a cigarette can reach 800C," said Mr Mant.

"If this drops, 90 per cent of the time it will just scorch a cushion.

"But if it falls behind a cushion or into clothing, the temperature can double.

"It will then ignite and that's how fires start."

There has now been the same number of fire-related deaths in Dorset in the past two months - six - as in the previous four years put together.

The latest tragic incident occurred on Saturday when an elderly woman died after her electric blanket caught light in Dulsie Road, Talbot Woods.

Many of the recent fatalities have been vulnerable, lonely people and chief fire officer Darren Gunter admits it is crucial such members of society are educated in safety.

He said: "In the last two years, we have done 8,000 home safety visits and installed 9,000 smoke alarms but we need to do a lot more.

"Elderly people may be less likely to have a fire but the consequences for them are more severe."

Mr Gunter said time was going to be made for teams of firefighters to head out into the community and spread fire safety advice.