Latest statistics show increase in UK fires

Responding to the Home Office fire safety statistics, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) voiced its concern about these increases. Fires accounted for 31 per cent of all incidents compared with 30 per cent for non-fire incidents. The remaining 39 per cent were fire false alarms, which continued to be the largest incident type

While the overall trend of fires and incidents remain on the decrease (over a ten-year period), the NFCC is concerned to see these reported increases. There were 346 fire-related fatalities, compared to 289 in the previous year which is a 20 per cent increase. The Grenfell Tower fire claimed 80 lives. The headline figures include:

• FRSs attended 574,659 incidents in the year ending June 2017: A seven per cent increase compared with the previous year (535,181) but a 33 per cent decrease compared with ten years ago (854,371 in 2006/07);
• FRSs attended 175,673 fires in the year ending June 2017. This was a 14 per cent increase compared with the previous year (154,517) but a 48 per cent decrease compared with ten years ago (336,233 in 2006/07);
• Of all incidents attended by FRSs in the year ending June 2017, fires accounted for 31 per cent compared with 30 per cent for non-fire incidents. This contrasts with the previous quarterly release where, for the first time, FRSs had attended more non-fire incidents than fire incidents. The remaining 39 per cent were fire false alarms, which continued to be the largest incident type;
• The number of fire-related fatalities has been on a general downward trend since 1981/82 when there were 755 fire-related fatalities. In the year ending June 2017, however, there were 346 fire-related fatalities (including 80 from the Grenfell Tower fire) compared with 289 in the previous year (an increase of 20%); and 
• There were 3,350 non-fatal casualties requiring hospital treatment in the year ending June 2017 (including 77 from the Grenfell Tower fire). This was a six per cent increase compared with the previous year (3,155) but a 22 per cent decrease compared with five years ago (4,299 in 2011/12).

NFCC chair Roy Wilsher said: “It is disappointing to see fires and incidents are on the increase. Local fire and rescue services are working hard to prevent the number of fires in their communities. It is essential this work continues and these figures show the continued local fire risk that fire services need to address through their work.

“Recent Home Office statistics showed the number of firefighters had fallen by 21 per cent since 2010/2011. The communities we serve need to have complete confidence in their emergency services and I hope the government takes this into account in its forthcoming budget and autumn statement announcement.  

“NFCC colleagues will continue to work closely with the Home Office on all aspects of fire, and the Fire Reform programme.” 

The full report can be found at www.gov.uk/government/statistics/fire-and-rescue-incident-statistics-england-july-2016-to-june-2017