Publication date: 19/12/2024

The request:

How many fires were caused in Leicestershire from the period starting January 1st 2023 to December 31st 2022, and how many fires have been caused so far this year from the period starting January 1st 2024 up until today (11th December 2024).

If possible, I'd like this information broken down by category of fire (I.E small, medium or a large blaze), whether there were any fatalities or injuries, and by the appliance from which the fire started (I.E portable heater / oven / fireplace)

Clarification

We asked: We seek clarification in order to progress your request under FOI as your request is very vague. We do not categorise size of fire into 'small', 'medium' or 'large'. We do categorise by affected area but there are many categories for that and different ways we could respond.

We break fires down in Primary, Secondary and Chimney fires. Primary Fires are where there is an extrinsic value (usually insurable property), secondary fires tend to be grassland, refuse etc. We note you have asked for fires started by appliance which may suggest you are just requiring domestic property fires? Please be specific in what information you are asking for.

Also, we note that you are asking just for the county of Leicestershire, is this correct in that you are not requiring information relating to Leicester City and Rutland?

The clarification provided: You're correct in that I'm looking for domestic fires – started in homes, with the cause… i.e. Electric heater, cooker, chimney, faulty wiring etc…

Leicestershire, the city of Leicester and Rutland would be great if you can provide me with that information also.

For context – I'm trying to find out if there's been an appliance or cause of fire that's on the rise.

Our response:

Please see attached MS Excel Workbook 'FOI 2533'.