73% of fires in Wales started deliberately, according to latest figures
23 October 2008
New figures released today highlight the crucial work undertaken by Fire and Rescue Services, but reveal the fire-prevention challenges that remain across Wales’ communities.
Cllr Lindsay Whittle (Caerphilly), WLGA Spokesperson for Equality, Social Justice and Community Safety said:
“These figures demonstrate the crucial work Fire and Rescue Services do to save lives and reduce the number of injuries caused by fire. They also demonstrate the much wider role that Fire and Rescue Services play beyond just responding to fire emergencies, including preventative work through awareness raising and promoting fire safety in our communities, particularly for those who are most vulnerable in our society.”
“However, the figures show there is much work still to do in terms of getting the fire prevention message across. For example, over 38% of household fires last year were in properties where smoke alarms were not fitted. Similarly, 73% of fires attended by the Fire and Rescue Service in Wales were started deliberately. This shows the scale of the challenge faced and the importance of the community fire safety initiatives undertaken to reduce the number of fires started, both deliberately and accidentally.”
The figures for 2007-08 also show that over 90% of fires in homes that could, in ideal conditions, be reached within 10 minutes were attended within that time across Wales.
This is the first year that data is available for Fire and Rescue Performance in Wales following the implementation of the Assembly Government’s new performance management regime.
Notes for Editors:
The Welsh Fire and Rescue Services Performance Bulletin is published by the Local Government Data Unit and is available at www.dataunitwales.gov.uk