INCORRECT FIGURES USED IN ARTICLE PUBLISHED BY BBC
We are aware of a national news story regarding an increase in fire deathsfor 2015/16 and geographical variations across the country. It states that in 2015/16, Leicestershire experienced 11 deaths per 1,000 primary fires.
The figures quoted within the news article are incorrect. We have checked the official source of the information and we would like to reassure our communities that we are not experiencing an increase in the number or rate of fire deaths.
In 2015/16 there were six fire fatalities and 1,326 primary fires within our area. Two of these fire fatalities were suicides. Four were accidental deaths and what we would class as potentially ‘avoidable’, where intervention may have prevented the fire from happening in the first place. We recognise that any fire death is a tragedy and continue to implement our community safety strategy, along with our partners, to reduce the chances of such an occurrence. In 2015-16 we undertook 5,086 Home Fire Safety Checks and engaged the public at 1,969 events. We continue to target the most vulnerable members of our community.
The table below shows a sustained reduction in the number of fires and related deaths over the past 15 years. We can reassure our communities that we will continue to put all of our efforts into maintaining their safety.
| 5 Year Averages | 5 Year Averages | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | 2001 – 6 | 2011 -16 | |
| Death | 8 | 6 | |
| Primary Fires | 2,536 | 1,264 | |
ENDS
Notes to editors: [Media work is possible by prior arrangement through Corporate Communications]
About the Service
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service provides emergency response, prevention and protection services from 20 stations across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Its headquarters is based in Birstall, Leicester.
The Service’s prevention, education, enforcement and inspection programmes have resulted in significant reductions in the number of incidents. In the last five years, fire related incidents have reduced by 32.6 percent.
During 2014/15, the Service attended 619 road traffic collisions, of which 155 were extrications freeing 194 people trapped inside their vehicles and completed 4316 home fire safety checks, fitting almost 4339 smoke alarms. Staff organised or supported almost 1590 events aimed at promoting fire and road safety and arson prevention, whilst also visiting 314 schools to deliver fire and road safety education to pupils.
Contact:
Dominic Halliday
Communications and Digital Media Administrator
0116 2292178
dominic.halliday@lfrs.org
