Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service has recorded zero fire deaths from home fires (fire in people’s houses and dwellings) across the Service area for the period between 2020/2021 (April to April).

Despite communities spend more time at home due to national restrictions, over the past 12-months Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service staff and firefighters have dealt with 501* accidental dwelling fires across Tyne and Wear, and out of those incidents zero fatalities have been recorded (* these figures are up until April 2021).

Peter Heath, Deputy Chief Fire Officer for Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: “I am extremely happy that there has been zero fire related deaths in homes across our service area in the past year however, we are never complacent about the need for safety in the home and education and advice are key to supporting that.

“Every single member of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service works hard in preventing fires, educating and raising awareness of safety in the home, as well as a first class response to emergencies when unfortunately a fire does occur.

“Our free safe and well visits to people’s homes provide a valuable opportunity for home occupiers to have Fire and Rescue Service staff attend their home and give advice regarding safety and wellbeing around the home, which of course has a focus on fire safety.”

DCFO Heath added: “We live in a part of the world with a population of well over one-million people and to have zero fire fatalities in people’s homes over a one-year period is incredible.  This was achieved during the grips of a pandemic when most people’s homes were also their office and workplace. The impact of any death on a local community can be devastating and striving for zero fire deaths will continue as a key objective for all TWFRS staff.

“The Service would like to thank everybody for being extra careful and to continue to increase their fire prevention methods, whether it’s doing regular smoke alarm checks, having an escape plan ready to set in motion or being careful when cooking in your kitchen.  Please continue to stay safe.”