England's Fire Statistics 2014 - 2015
The Department for Communities and Local Government has recently published one of its annual Fire & Rescue Statistical Releases. The report, titled ‘Fire Statistics Monitor: England April 2014 to March 2015’, provides an insight into the number of fire emergencies across a 12 month period and the casualties/fatalities involved. As records are edited frequently, it is important to note that all figures are deemed provisional.
From April 2014 to March 2015, local fire and rescue services in England responded to around 495,400 incidents, representing a 6% decrease from the previous year. Around 154,700 of these incidents were real fire emergencies – this is the second lowest number of fire incidents ever recorded.
Fire Fatalities
During 2014-2015 there were 258 fire fatalities, a figure that is 6% lower than the previous year and the lowest number recorded to date. The number of fire fatalities is currently just over a third of what it was in the 1980s.
163 fatalities occurred in accidental dwelling fires
45 fatalities occurred accidentally in other locations
50 fatalities occurred deliberately
Non-Fatal Fire Hospital Casualties
7,546 non-fatal casualties (3% lower than previous year)
3,235 non-fatal fire hospitalised casualties (6% lower than previous year)
False Alarms
Fire and rescue services responded to more false alarms than actual fires.
215,600 incidents attended were false alarms (4% lower than previous year).
65,300 false alarms with good intent
6,900 false alarms with malicious intent
Fire Locations
28,200 accidental dwelling fires (1% lower than previous year).
Over 50% of all fires attended were outdoor fires.
Conclusion
Overall, the amount of fire fatalities, non-fatal casualties, false alarms and dwelling fires have reduced when compared to the previous year. The figures have drastically reduced since the 1980s, sometimes falling by as much as 30%. These figures represent a positive change in attitude and activity towards fire safety in England and a trend that we all hope will continue.