Fatal fires drop to a 35-year low

Fire deaths in Greater Manchester have plunged to a 35-year low, with 11 people across the region dying in accidental house fires in the past year.

The figure, the lowest annual number since the formation of the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service in 1974, represents a 39% drop on the previous year, and there were no fire deaths in Rochdale during the last 12 months.

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.”

The Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) has fitted 200,000 free smoke alarms since April 2004 and the service also offers free home fire assessments, which give advice on escape plans and other safety issues within the home.

But officers are warning that more needs to be done if they are to reach their ultimate aim of no lives being lost in fires.

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.”

Anyone in Greater Manchester can arrange for a free home fire safety risk assessment by calling free on 0800 555 815 or by visiting www.manchesterfire.gov.uk