Key fire incident stats for England in 22/23

On 25th January 2024, the Home Office announced the latest fire incident statistics for England, for the year ending September 2023. Here, we highlight the most significant statistics, what they demonstrate, and any recommended action points resulting from them.

The prevalence of outdoor fires reflects extreme weather patterns

In the year ending September 2023, fire and rescue services (FRSs) responded to 143,625 fires, a decrease of 23% compared with the previous year (185,620). This notable reduction can be attributed to a decrease of 32% in secondary fires, which are generally small outdoor fires that don’t involve people or property. 

Additionally, there was a marked 39% decrease in outdoor primary fires, which can be explained by the fact the comparator year included the hot, dry summer of 2022. Due to that summer, the year ending September 2022 showed the most fire incidents attended (roughly 621,000) for more than a decade. High temperatures and dry conditions left the UK a tinderbox, resulting in the 19th July 2022 becoming the London Fire Brigade’s busiest day since World War Two.

Key takeaway: There tends to be more grassland, refuse and other outdoor fires in the summer months and these seem to reflect weather patterns. As we continue to experience more extreme weather, preparations should be put in place to prevent and manage grass and outdoor fires. Responsible use of disposable barbecues, and appropriate disposal of litter, can help prevent outdoor fires, while having a suitable fire extinguisher readily available to tackle a fire can help manage it, should one break out.

There’s a rise in false fire alarms resulting from apparatus

FRSs attended 246,529 fire false alarms in the year ending September 2023, accounting for 42% of all incidents attended. This marks the highest figure for the year ending September 2023 since 2011. The incidence of fire false alarms has seen a 3.1% increase compared to the previous year (239,047), a 6.3% increase compared to five years ago (231,916), and an 8.0% increase compared to a decade ago (228,311).

Among these false alarms, 174,362 were due to apparatus, in which fire alarms or fire-fighting equipment operate in error, including accidental initiation by individuals. This is the highest annual figure in the past decade – a 6.8% increase from the previous year (163,330), a notable increase of 14% from five years previously (152,840), and an increase of 14% from 10 years previously.

Key takeaway: Fire false alarms have serious consequences, including disruption to services and businesses, lost revenue, unnecessary risk to emergency responders and road users, and desensitisation. The increased prevalence of this type of call due to apparatus highlights the importance of stocking reliable fire safety equipment, such as the Commander Single Site Alarm. To ensure good working order, it’s advised that smoke alarms are tested once a week. British Standard BS 5839 stipulates that all commercial building fire alarm systems must also be tested weekly.

Fires in purpose-built high-rise flats and maisonettes have decreased

The number of fires in purpose-built high-rise flats and maisonettes has significantly decreased in recent years. For the year ending September 2023, FRSs attended 707 such fires, marking a 5.0% reduction compared to the previous year’s 744 incidents. There has also been a noteworthy decline of 13% over the past five years, with 810 fires reported in the corresponding period, and a 17% decrease when compared to a decade ago when 856 incidents were recorded.

Key takeaway: The impact of complying with fire safety legislation cannot be underestimated. Since the Grenfell Tower tragedy, an urgency for fire safety reform has resulted in major developments in the law that those responsible for fire safety in high-rise buildings should be aware of: The Fire Safety Act 2021 (including the PAS 9980:2022 guide to external walls and cladding systems) and The Building Safety Act 2022. 

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