Emergency services chiefs have hit back at claims that retained fire crews are reacting slowly to major blazes.

Questions have been raised by a number of people about Shoreham fire station's working practices after four fatal fires on its patch in the past 13 months.

The latest blaze killed mother Emma Macintosh, 25, on Saturday morning and follows the deaths of Gwen Thresh in March 2005, Michael Jacob in December and Arthur Mann last month.

All the fires started in the evening or at night, when Shoreham is covered by retained rather than full-time firefighters.

But service chiefs have dismissed speculation Shoreham crews could have arrived faster at Ms Macintosh's home in Albion Street. They have also hit back at criticism, including comments posted on The Argus website, over the practice of using both full-time and retained firefighters at Shoreham.

Gary Towson, West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service spokesman, said: "This is a devastating tragedy for the family, who never wanted their loss to be debated in this way.

"While as a service we would highlight the dangers of not having smoke alarms, we should respect the family and we will not enter into a speculative debate."

There has also been praise for the emergency services who attended on Saturday, including from the family of Ms Macintosh and residents. Firefighters have focused their attention on the fact that the deaths in Shoreham occurred in circumstances they believe were largely preventable.

Emma Macintosh had no smoke alarm fitted and the blaze which killed her started from a cooker while she slept on a sofa after a night out.

Gwen Thresh and Arthur Mann both died after discarded cigarettes set their homes on fire, possibly while they were asleep.

Mr Towson said: "We have got to drum home the message that every home should have a smoke alarm fitted and that people must be careful about fire."

After each of the deaths fire crews from Shoreham visited hundreds of homes in the surrounding neighbourhoods distributing leaflets, giving free advice and fitting smoke alarms free.

The fire and rescue service's education vehicle has also been stationed nearby to offer further advice.

Crews also regularly pay visits to schools and other organisations.

Tributes to Ms Macintosh and condolences to her family have continued to be posted on The Argus website.

Jo, from Wales, said: "Dear Andy, Laura, Jackie, Les and Tyler. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. See you very soon. Lots of love mum and Rob xxx."

Keith, from Fishersgate, said: "I knew Emma well. My sympathies to Jackie and Andrew and Tyler and everyone else that knew and loved this beautiful young woman. She was always fun to be around and will be missed terribly."