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The number of primary fires in the UK continues to fall, with the total for the 12-month period until 30 June 2006 down 6 per cent at 163,500 – the lowest figure since 1985, according to figures released by the Communities and Local Government department.
Deaths from fire also continue to fall; 467 were provisionally recorded, a reduction of 5 per cent on the same period last year.
Primary fires are defined as those in buildings, vehicles and outdoor structures, or any other ire involving casualties, rescues or fires attended by fire or more appliances. Secondary fires are the majority of outdoor fires including grassland and refuse fires, which do not involve casualties, rescues or primary fire attendance. These fires rose by 8 per cent to 252,400.
Attendances at false alarms dropped by 3 per cent to 429,700.