CheckFire’s reaction to the government’s fire incident report

Toria Jones, head of marketing at CheckFire, a trade-only fire safety specialist, has offered a detailed analysis of the government fire and rescue incident statistics for the year ending September 2023.

The report, published this morning, reveals a mix of positive trends and concerning issues in fire safety preparedness across the UK.

Jones highlights the overall decrease in incidents attended by fire and rescue services, noting a 4.8% decline, with a significant 23% reduction in fires compared to the previous year.

She also points out the remarkable decrease in secondary fires by 32% and outdoor primary fires by 39%.

These figures, she believes, are influenced by the previous year’s exceptionally hot and dry summer in 2022.

Jones said: “These numbers highlight the necessity for individuals and businesses to enhance their fire safety preparedness.”

Rise in false alarms: a point of concern

However, amidst these improvements, Jones draws attention to the worrying surge in fire false alarms.

Fire and rescue services attended 246,529 fire false alarms in the year ending September 2023, the highest since 2011.

This marks a 3.1% increase from the previous year, with Jones stressing the importance of addressing this issue due to its consistent rise over the last five and ten years.

The statistics are particularly alarming concerning false alarms due to faulty apparatus, which reached 174,362 in the past year.

This represents a 6.8% increase from the previous year and a 14% increase over both five and ten years.

Jones commented on this issue, saying: “The rise in false alarms due to apparatus underlines the importance of stocking and employing dependable, high-quality fire alarm systems and fire safety equipment to minimise both false alarms and real fire incidents.”

Essential steps for improved fire safety

Jones emphasises the critical need for reliable fire safety equipment, which is a legal requirement for all building owners and employers.

She advocates for implementing comprehensive fire safety measures, including the use of advanced technology in fire detection systems, investing in dependable fire safety equipment, and ensuring regular inspections and maintenance.

Additionally, she underscores the importance of fostering community awareness and education in fire safety.

Jones believes that by utilising the insights from these statistics, a collective effort can be made towards creating safer environments, ultimately reducing the frequency and severity of fire incidents.

IFSJ Comment

The analysis provided by Toria Jones of CheckFire on the government’s recent fire and rescue incident statistics highlights key areas of improvement and concern in the UK’s fire safety preparedness.

The decrease in fire incidents is a positive sign, yet the notable rise in false alarms due to faulty equipment signals an urgent need for more reliable fire safety systems.

This calls for an increased focus on quality and dependability in fire safety equipment and greater awareness and education within communities.

CheckFire’s perspective underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach to fire safety, balancing technological advancements with routine maintenance and public awareness.

Such insights are essential in guiding future strategies for fire safety management, ensuring both the minimisation of false alarms and the effective prevention of real fire incidents.