Seven common factors linking fatal fires

Fire services in the south west have joined together to identify the seven fatal factors that link most home fire deaths in the region.

The report has been compiled using research data from a total of 88 deaths from 2008 to 2013.

The results show that there are seven common factors in most house fires resulting in death

The seven most common linking factors include: living alone, poor mental health and limited mobility as well as smoking, alcohol, poor housekeeping and use of both prescription or illegal drugs.

Station Manager Andy Justice, Fire Investigation Manager for Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service, who co-ordinated the research, said: “The facts show that accidental fires in the home affect those most vulnerable and all too often are already known to other agencies.

“All the agencies involved have to work even more closely together to identify and then help those most at risk from dying in a fire.”.

In half of the cases more than one factor was identified while in a n additional In 30% of the cases only a single factor was present.

However in 18 of the 88 (20%) cases none of the risk factors were present.

The most common factor was that the victim lived alone, which was identified in 47 of the 88 cases (53%).

The strong link between living alone and risk of fire death is reinforced when comparing the fatal fire study with Census statistics for the region.

The government survey data shows 30% of households are occupied by a lone adult in South West England, yet
this ‘group’ accounts for over half of accidental fire deaths.

HM Coroner Ian Arrow, who endorsed the research work, said: “The identification of the seven factors in home fire deaths will prove invaluable in identifying high risk individuals, who would benefit from inter-agency intervention.”

The research work was undertaken by the Chief Fire Officers Association (CFOA) South West Fire Investigation Group.

The research also found that the average age of female victims was 68 years-old significantly older than male victims who were on average 56 years-old. More than 60% of female victims were over 65 compared to just 36% of male victims.

Smokers’ materials were the most common source of ignition, which resulted in 20 fatalities throughout the region

In 61 of the 88 fatal cases (69%), a smoke detector was either not present or failed to raise the alarm.

Station Manager Justice added: “Fire and rescue services can visit the homes of vulnerable people to provide advice and appropriate equipment to reduce the risk of fire.

“We would urge organisations which work with people affected by any of the seven factors identified to contact their local fire and rescue service to find out how we can help."