Lowest Ever Fire Deaths

14 April 2009

But No Room For Complacency

Latest figures show that Greater Manchester has seen its fire deaths reduced by 39%* on the previous year. This is the lowest annual figure since the formation of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) in 1974 (figures by Met. Borough below). This reduction in fire deaths follows a recent Audit Commission report highlighting GMFRS as pioneers and one of the most efficient Fire and Rescue Services in England**. Despite this reduction between 1 April 2008 and 31 March 2009, 11 people died as result of an accidental fire in their home in Greater Manchester.

Councillor Paul Shannon, Chairman of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority said, “This reduction is excellent news for the Fire Authority, but more importantly for the people of Greater Manchester.  It sends a clear message that decisions made by the Fire Authority are focused on reducing the number of deaths and injuries by fire in our communities, whilst maintaining our commitment to provide the public with value for money.”

County Fire Officer Barry Dixon said, “I am extremely pleased to see that the hard work of our staff, to inform and protect the public from the very real dangers of accidental fires, has been rewarded by this tremendous result. It gives me a great deal of professional pride to see the figures reduced so far, however, even a single death in an accidental fire is one too many. In line with our commitment to community safety initiatives we will study the causes of these incidents and continue to develop plans to help us achieve our ultimate aim, which is zero fire deaths.”

Assistant County Fire Officer Jim Owen said “Just one fire death is a tragedy and in too many cases we witness incidents where deaths could have been prevented by following simple fire safety advice and ensuring that smoke alarms are fitted and have working batteries. These simple steps cost very little and really can save lives, it is astonishing that  37% of homes that have a fire don’t have a working smoke alarm”.

He continued “Since  April 2004 GMFRS have fitted over 200,000 free smoke alarms in homes across Greater Manchester as part of the free home fire risk assessment service, which also gives advice on escape plans and other fire safety issues within the home. I would urge everyone to have one of these assessments carried out."***

Editor’s Note

• *18 people died as result of an accidental fire in their home in Greater Manchester 01/04/07 – 31/03/08
• **Audit Commission Report ‘Rising to the challenge (Improving fire service efficiency)’
• *** Anyone in Greater Manchester having concerns about fire safety in their home can arrange for a free home fire safety risk assessment  by calling free on 0800 555 815 or by visiting  www.manchesterfire.gov.uk