Fire service call-outs fall by 1,000 in a year, report finds
Fire chiefs in Staffordshire have welcomed a decrease in the number of recorded fires in the last year.
Firefighters from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service attended nearly 8,500 incidents from April 2019 to March 2020 – around 1,000 less than the previous year.
According to the service’s latest performance report, accidental house fire – including deaths and injuries caused – were all down on the previous year.
The biggest decrease was recorded in relation to small fires – including outdoor grass and bin fires – where there was a 44 per cent decrease on the previous year.
Road traffic collisions attended by firefighters were recorded as marginally higher than the previous year, at 698 compared to 684.
The report, entitled ‘Statement of Assurance’, reveals how the Staffordshire service has worked across its communities to ensure the safety and wellbeing of people across the county.
As well as detailing performance statistics, the report also highlights prevention work carried out in the community and developments in how crews tackle incidents.
Commitment
Howard Watts, director of community safety for Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “I am pleased that the report highlights all the work we have carried out and continue to do within our communities to help reduce individuals’ risk of fire in and outside the home.
“The report shows how much has been done and what we have yet to do to make sure we are best serving the people of Staffordshire including young people, the elderly and the vulnerable.
“It also highlights how we continue to be called upon to assist with major incidents nationally and details what we as a service are doing to maintain our high standards.
"I would like to thank all of our firefighters and staff for their continued work and commitment to our communities, especially during these challenging circumstances.”
Within the community, the service completed a total of 26,838 safe and well visits during 2019 to 2020, which included fitting smoke and heat detectors as well as offering individuals advice on fire safety.
The majority of these were carried out in the homes of the most vulnerable including the elderly and less mobile who may find it harder to escape should a fire occur in their homes.
