Domestic fires rise in Herefordshire and Worcestershire

With many people still staying at home, Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) is asking everyone to be extra careful, to avoid fires happening in the first place.

HWFRS is calling for people to think about basic fire safety in the home, and to take action to avoid becoming a further casualty for the NHS.

During the most recent 10-year period (01/04/2011 to 31/03/2021), HWFRS dealt with 5,668 domestic fires, an average of about 566 per year.

This compares with the 10-year period ending one year earlier (01/04/2010 to 31/03/2020), when the service dealt with 5,934 domestic fires, an average of some 593 per year.

Emma Roberts, Head of Prevention, said: “We know that there are large numbers of people at home now due to the pandemic and whether they are self-isolating or working from home, we’d like to encourage people to think about basic fire safety in the home.

"We want to ensure that everyone is taking the right steps to ensure they are safe from fire.”

“Working smoke alarms save lives. The majority of homes across the country now have an alarm fitted, but do you know if they are working?

"We want people to test the alarms on a weekly basis. We are spending more time at home now, so there is no excuse to not have working smoke alarms and to not be testing them regularly.”

HWFRS is urging people to take note of the following vital safety advice:

• Smoke alarms save lives but only if they are working and are in the right place. You should have at least one working smoke alarm on every level of your home.

• Keep heaters well away from clothes, curtains, furniture and other flammable materials. NEVER use heaters to dry clothes. ALWAYS switch off and unplug your heaters before going to bed.

• If you smoke, use a proper ashtray and make sure it is placed on a level surface away from combustible materials. Make sure your cigarettes are fully extinguished. Don’t smoke in bed – you could easily fall asleep while your cigarette is still burning and cause a fire.

• If you smoke, use a proper ashtray and make sure it is placed on a level surface away from combustible materials. Make sure your cigarettes are fully extinguished. Don’t smoke in bed – you could easily fall asleep while your cigarette is still burning and cause a fire.

• Make it a priority to keep cooking areas clear and clean from combustible materials. Make sure your oven and grill are clean – a build-up of fat or grease can cause a fire. DON’T leave pans unattended while cooking and NEVER leave children or pets unattended in the kitchen.

• Make sure everyone in your household knows how to get out in the event of a fire. Ensure your escape routes are clear from any clutter. Keep your door and window keys in a known and accessible place.

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• Fire Safety