Latest figures published today highlight the crucial work undertaken by Wales’ three Fire and Rescue Services to save lives and to reduce the number of fire – related injuries.
This year’s Fire and Rescue Service Performance bulletin published by the Local Government Data Unit in Wales shows that the number of fires attended by Wales’ three fire and rescue services fell by a fifth during 2008-09 compared to last year. This drop is largely a result of the effective work being undertaken by the fire and rescue services around fire prevention and which has led to a reduction in the number of fires being started deliberately.
During 2008-09, over two-thirds of all the fires attended in Wales were started deliberately. This figure has fallen by a quarter compared to 2007-08.
Cllr Des Hillman (Blaenau Gwent), WLGA Deputy Spokesperson for Community Safety said:
“Wales’ three fire and rescue services are committed to reducing fire risk and improving community safety. Many community safety initiatives are in place, such as free home fire safety checks, youth engagement, and open days aimed at reducing the number of both deliberate and accidental fires, as well as reducing the number of false alarm calls. The role of a fire crew extends much beyond just responding to fire emergencies, indeed today’s figures highlight the vital work that is being undertaken around fire prevention and getting people to think more responsibly about fire prevention and safety in the home.
“The figures for 2008-09 also show that Wales’ fire and rescue services exceeded the ten minute standard for attendance at fires in the home by more than 10% (90.89% against a standard of 80%) During 2008-09, the number of fire – related deaths also fell across Wales compared to 2007-08.
“However, whilst there is much to be proud of, the figures do show that fire-prevention challenges remain across Wales’ communities, for example, 37% of household fires occurred in properties that did not have fire equipment fitted and approximately 1,300 malicious false alarms were attended by Fire and Rescue Services across Wales.”
This is the second year that data is available for Fire and Rescue Performance in Wales following the implementation of the Welsh Assembly Government’s performance management regime in 2007.
The three fire and rescue services have also provided historic data to enable comparisons for some performance indictors back to 2004-05.
