Accidental fires in the home at Christmas lowest in eight years

Date published: 02/01/2007

Figures announced by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service show that accidental fires in the home over the Christmas week were the lowest in years.

Between the start of Christmas Eve and midnight New Years Day there were 70 accidental fires in residential dwellings in Greater Manchester, a 39% reduction over 8 years and 10% reduction compared with the same period last year when there were 77.

In 2001/02 and 2002/03 there were 97, 107 in 2003/04 and 94 in 2004/05.

In Rochdale there were just three fires recorded over the festive period, compared to ten fires at the same time last year.

Prior to the Christmas period the Service launched a high profile advertising campaign highlighting the increased chance of having a fire at home when people have been drinking.

County fire Officer, Barry Dixon said: "It’s really pleasing to see these reductions in house fires over the Christmas period. The combination of raising the publics’ awareness of the relationship between fire and alcohol and our ongoing campaign for smoke alarm ownership has yet again shown results. I am confident that we can continue this trend throughout the year.

Barry went on to add: "There is no excuse now for not having a working smoke alarm in your home even if you can’t afford to buy one, you can book in for one of our free home fire risk assessments and if necessary we will fit a free smoke alarm for you."

Call 0800 555 815 for your free fire safety check.