There were just four accidental fire deaths in West Yorkshire during 2011/12 – an all-time low.
The total compares with 18 in similar-sized metropolitan brigades such as Greater Manchester and West Midlands (and seven in West Yorkshire during 2010/11).
“Four is still four too many but reflects the fantastic work we have been carrying out in recent years to drive down risks in the home and provide essential life-saving equipment such as smoke alarms,” said Assistant Chief Fire Officer Craig McIntosh.
In the 12 months to 31 March 2012, brigade staff carried out 66,055 free home fire safety checks, bringing the total since 2004 to more than 460,000.
The percentage of house fires attended by the brigade where the owners are protected by smoke alarms is now 74 per cent, compared to just 28 per cent in 2004.
“Across all our work we are becoming more effective and more efficient,” he said. “Last year, we attended 30,103 incidents, which was 8,544 fewer than in 2000/1.”
Mr. McIntosh explained that in addition to its fire safety campaigns, progress had been largely due to:
* success in driving down hoax 999 calls
* close working with partner agencies such as the police and district councils.
“For all the good news we must remember that West Yorkshire is still a very busy metropolitan fire service and that serious, large fires are not uncommon. We deal with over 20 incidents each year which require more than five fire engines -- with around 15 of those demanding 10-20 engines and seven over 20 appliances. This illustrates the importance of having the right levels of staff, in the right place at the right time with the best possible equipment at their disposal.”
Councillor Mehboob Khan, who chairs West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority, paid tribute to all staff for continuing their efforts to make the county a safer place in which to live and work.
“These achievements must also be seen in the context that we cost the average local council tax-payer just £15.71 a year, while in Merseyside and Tyne and Wear the precept is more than £20.”
