Fire deaths low but more to do

We’re making ‘Greater Manchester Safer’, but there’s still more to do. That’s the stark message from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service as the latest figures highlight the continuing success of the Services drive to reduce the number of fire deaths in Greater Manchester.

Following the success of the previous year and despite fatalities being kept at a low level, there were 12 deaths as a result of accidental fires in the home between 1 April 2009 and 31 March 2010. (Figures by Metropolitan Borough below) Detailed investigations into each one of these tragic incidents have found that the majority had contributing factors such as alcohol, smoking, or drugs. This should send out a clear message to remind people to take extra care, particularly when smoking or drinking.

The Service is committed to exploring opportunities to reduce this figure further through partnership working, education and working alongside the communities within Greater Manchester.

County Fire Officer Steve McGuirk said, “I am extremely pleased to see that the hard work of our staff and those that work with us, to inform and protect the public from the very real dangers of accidental fires is continuing to have an effect. As a professional Firefighter I’m glad to see the figures remain so low, however, even a single death in an accidental fire is one too many. In line with our commitment to community safety initiatives we will study the causes of these incidents and continue to develop plans to reduce these incidents even further.”

Assistant County Fire Officer (Fire Safety) 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 over 25% of homes that have a fire don’t have a working smoke alarm.
“We have now fitted over 250,000 free smoke alarms in homes across Greater Manchester as part of the free home fire risk assessment service, which also gives advice on escape plans and other fire safety issues within the home. I would urge everyone to have one of these safety checks carried out and to make sure you have a working smoke alarm."