The total number of primary fires in the UK has fallen by 5 per cent in the 12 months to 31 March 2007 and is now at its lowest since 1983, according to new government figures.
The Fire Statistics Monitor is published quarterly by the department for Communities and Local Government (CLG) and includes provisional figures on fires, fire deaths and injuries, and false alarm calls. Primary fires fell by 5 per cent to 156,800, the lowest number since 1983. Of these, dwelling fires hit a 30 year low (55,000, down 4 per cent); fires in other buildings – including workplaces and areas where people gather – are down 6 per cent to 32,500, their lowest since 1958, and road vehicle fires fell by 9 per cent to 57,500.
Other key statistics include:
– Fire and rescue services attended 862,300 fire and false alarm incidents in the 12 months to 31 March 2007 – a slight increase on the previous 12 months.
– There were 448 fire deaths in this period – down 5 per cent on the previous 12 months and the lowest figure since records began in 1950. Dwelling fire deaths fell by 4 per cent to 324, the lowest total since 1960. But fire death figures for 2006/07 should be treated with caution, says CLG, as they are still provisional and subject to change.
– Secondary fires rose by 5 per cent to 261,200.
– Attendances at false alarms increased by less than 1 per cent to 435,700 continuing the trend since 2001. Within this there was an 11 per cent fall (to 32,200) in malicious false alarms and a slight increase – to 238,700 – in false alarms due to apparatus.
The Fire Statistics Monitor is available on the Communities and Local Government website. Also on the website is the latest annual statistical bulletin, Summary Fire Statistics United Kingdom, 2006, which contains trends and analysis for the years 1996-2006.
