Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (Commissioner), David Allen, received an update on the performance of Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) at his most recent CFRS Public Accountability Conference (PAC).
Between 1 April 2024 and 30 September 2024, the total number of fires has dropped from 582 compared to 800 in the same time period in the previous year – a 27.3% decrease. However, accidental primary dwelling fires have risen from 75 to 98.
CFRS carry out Home Fire Safety Visits to reduce the risk of primary dwelling fires. Between 1 April 2024 and 30 September 2024, the Service has carried out 4,282 visits, 592 more than in 2023. The Service has attended less road traffic collisions in this time period, falling from 152 in 2023 to 114 in 2024. However, firefighters have attended 28.6% more water rescues. In relation to non-fire related incidents, CFRS has attended 890 callouts so far in this financial year compared to the 809 in 2023.
The Service has increased their engagements in communities across Cumbria, attending 1,388 engagements between April and September 2024.
CFRS has almost doubled the number of high-risk audits completed to businesses in the county, 180 audits were delivered in between 1 April 2024 and 30 September 2024 compared to the 93 delivered in the same period in 2023. Callouts to commercial false alarms decreased by 0.6% and the number of actual commercial fires in Cumbria has fallen from 90 to 63.
Commissioner, David Allen, said: “The Public Accountability meetings provide me with the opportunity to hold the Chief Fire Officer and CFRS Senior Leadership Team to account on behalf of the public.
“It’s always reassuring to see overall fires reduce across the county. However, a rise in house fires is unsettling so we need to look at how we educate the public further on fire safety, especially as we head into the colder and darker months. CFRS will always be there when they are needed but no one wants a fire to break out in their home. I’m also pleased to see the increase in home fire safety visits that specifically targets our most vulnerable residents.
“The decrease of commercial fires correlates with our increase in high-risk audits so I hope that having the risk protocols and correct health and safety in place assisted by CFRS means that we will continue to see businesses in Cumbria stay fire-free.
“It’s concerning to see an increase in water rescues – we haven’t had the best weather in the county over the summer so cold-water shock has been a risk all-year round – I want to remind the public that just because the water looks calm does not mean that it’s safe.
“Our stations and crews are well embedded in their local communities so it’s no surprise – although incredibly positive – to see community engagement grow. I hope that crews visibility in our local areas reassures the public and builds trust in the service.
“As Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, I am the voice of the Cumbrian public in respect of Fire and Rescue so I intend to use these public meetings to hold the Chief Fire Officer to account over the concerns of residents. I want to see the Fire and Rescue Service to continue to improve and to become one of the best Services in the country so that we can continue to protect Cumbria’s safety.
“As the name suggests, these meetings are public so if anyone wishes to come along to the next PAC, please contact my office at commissioner@cumbria.police.uk.”
Fire Service Lead, Paul Hancock, said: “The reports presented at the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner’s Public Accountability Conference highlights the excellent work across our service.
“Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service aim to provide the best service possible to the public and this work highlights what we have achieved.
“We are constantly working towards a better CFRS for residents, visitors and staff so we welcome any and all feedback from the Commissioner – especially around what the public want to see.
“The reports show the high levels of public engagement and awareness-raising activities being carried out every day by crews across the county as well as our reactive work in response to emergencies.”
With winter approaching, we all need to take more care to prevent house fires. In the UK, around 65 fires a year are caused by faulty electric blankets and two fires a day are caused by heaters. In England, over 7,700 chimney fires take place every year. To keep yourself as safe as possible this winter:
- If you have an open fire in your home make sure to use a fire guard to avoid spitting embers spreading and ensure your chimney and flue is clean.
- Keep portable heaters away from anything that may catch fire such as curtains and never use them to dry wet clothes.
- If you have an electric blanket, always unplug it before going to bed and never use a hot water bottle on top of the electric blanket – even if it’s turned off.
- Make sure any candles are stored in a proper container and a safe distance from any flammable materials such as curtains, rugs, blankets etc.
For more advice on how to stay safe this winter, visit: Winter home safety | Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service