Record Reduction in Accidental Dwelling Fires across Merseyside

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) are praising their staff and the communities of Merseyside following the release of annual figures showing record reductions in Accidental Dwelling Fires and only one fire death.

MFRS have revealed that accidental fires in the home have fallen by 15% over the last year and 20% over a two-year period with the lowest number of fire deaths ever recorded.

Through the efforts of the Service and its incredible teams, this year only one family have had to live with the loss of a loved one, something that would have been unimaginable only 10 years ago.

Figures released today show that in Merseyside in the year to March 31st, there were 663 accidental fires in the home compared to 780 for the same period a year earlier. Only ten years ago, the Service responded to 1153 such fires with today’s figures representing a 43% decrease over that period.

Area Manager Mark Thomas, Head of Prevention at MFRS said “In an average day, Firefighters and Prevention Teams will visit 170 homes across Merseyside, giving fire safety advice to occupiers and fitting lifesaving smoke alarms for those people who are most vulnerable to fire. By talking to people in their own homes and demonstrating what good fire safety looks like, our teams are making a hugely positive difference.”

Mr Thomas added “Our downturn in fires in the home is unprecedented across the UK and without doubt linked to the determination and professionalism of our Firefighters and Prevention Teams; it is because of them, helped by the diligence of the public of Merseyside, that we have collectively been able to reduce the number of fires in the home, making sure more people stay alive and safe from fire.”

“Only ten years ago, sixteen people died in house fires. We know more than anyone the devastating impact that the loss of a loved one can have on a family and wider communities, and we will be relentless in our drive to reduce fire deaths to zero.

Our staff will continue to work with our communities and our partners to find those who are most vulnerable, protect them and make sure we continue to drive down fires as much as possible.”

For a free Home Fire Safety Check, call 0800 731 5958. Many people will also qualify for free smoke alarms.

For an online Home Safety Check https://www.safelincs.co.uk/hfsc/