New figures reveal rise in the number of fire fatalities - despite drop in calls last year

The local situation mirrors that across England, with the chairman of the National Fire Chiefs Council saying he is “very concerned” by the national situation and that fire services face “huge challenges”.

There were 12 fire-related fatalities in Lancashire in the 12 months to September last year, Home Office figures show – 10 of them occurring in homes in the area.

This was an increase of three on the year before and the most since 2010.

It comes despite a 15 per cent decrease in the number of fires, with 4,878 recorded over the year. Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service crews were most often needed to attend small outdoor fires that don’t involve people or property.

These secondary fires were responsible for 62 per cent of their fire-related callouts, but had decreased in number from the year before, which the NFCC said was caused by a hot, dry summer in 2018. There was also an increase in the number of casualties, with 538 in the 12 months to September – 17 per cent of which resulted in someone going to hospital.

Across England, crews attended 10 per cent fewer fires, but recorded more fatalities – there were 252 in 2019 compared to 251 the year before.

NFCC chairman Roy Wilsher said it was “pleasing” to see the reduction in the number of incidents but that it was essential they do not become complacent.

A Home Office spokesman said fire and rescue services will receive around £2.3bn in 2019/20. He added: “We are grateful for the continued tireless efforts of firefighters across the country, with fire and rescue services having the resources they need to do their important work.”