26 November 2008
Innovative prevention activity by local fire and rescue services is one of the key factors that has led to a halving in the number of accidental fire deaths in people’s homes over the last 20 years, says a government report published this week.
‘Safer Houses: Celebrating 20 Years of Fire Prevention in the Home’ notes that in 1988, there were 731 dwelling fire deaths in the UK. Since then the number has fallen below 350 - the lowest for nearly 50 years.
Ground-breaking furniture fire safety regulations introduced in 1988, and the national Fire Kills media campaign which was launched in the same year, are also highlighted as major contributory factors.
The Furniture and Furnishings Fire Safety Regulations were brought in to help reverse the rising number of deaths and injuries suffered in fires started in upholstered furniture in the home, often through a dropped cigarette.
When the Fire Kills campaign started, only one in 10 homes had smoke alarms. The figure is now eight out of 10.
Fire Minister Sadiq Khan said: “The fact that fire deaths are at their lowest level in nearly 50 years is due in large part to the work of the fire and rescue service, in partnership with the government.
“But we must not be complacent - there is still much work to be done. There are still vulnerable people in our communities who do not know the benefits of smoke alarms, do not check they work regularly and are not careful enough when cooking or smoking.”
Damian Smith, Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service’s Chief Fire Officer, said: “We’re delighted with this recognition of the work we do, both to prevent fires from happening in the first place, and to make sure people have some level of protection in place.
“Our firefighters and community safety and fire safety teams have worked with thousands of individuals and organisations over the years, often in the form of tailor-made projects aimed at small but vulnerable groups of people, to ensure that they receive relevant, targeted advice and assistance.
“Although the number of accidental fire deaths in homes in Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes is low, we have always said that one fire death is one too many. It is therefore vital that we keep up the momentum of our prevention and protection work.”
Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service will carry out a free safety check of your home and fit free smoke detectors where necessary.
Ring 01296 744477, send an email to cs@bucksfire.gov.uk or use the online form to book an appointment.
Note (updated 1 April 2009)
Figures for accidental fire deaths in the home in Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes (1 April to 31 March):
- 2008/09: 0
- 2007/08: 2
- 2006/07: 2
- 2005/06: 1
- 2004/05: 0
- 2003/04: 6
- 2002/03: 1
- 2001/02: 3
- 2000/01: 4
- 1999/2000: 4
- 1998/99: 4
- 1997/98: 3
- 1996/97: 7
- 1995/96: 4