Inaccurate fire death figures

It seems that the Chief Fire Officer and I have both had trouble getting the figures right. Although fire deaths have been rising, the original figures I used were not entirely accurate and for this I apologise.

However, now the Chief Fire Officer also seems confused by the data. In his new report to the Environmental & Community Services Select Committee he states (at 5.3.1.) that in 2010/11 there were four fire deaths. Yet his Modelling & Analysis Technical Report, issued as part of the consultation, says it was three.

Having rechecked the figures in the Modelling & Analysis Technical Report, and the Response Infrastructure Technical Report, issued with the previous consultation, the correct figures are shown below. 

From this you will see that there is still a worrying rise in fire deaths.

The Chief Fire Officer is always keen to take credit for any reduction in calls and risk. For example:

• “In the last five years we have reduced the levels of risk considerably across the county.”
• The prevention and protection role, “has helped to significantly reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured in fires in the home and reduced the demand on our services”.

You would naturally think he would also accept some responsibility when the figures go up. Not a bit of it. Regarding the increase he says, “the main causes have been primarily due to social isolation, mental health issues and individuals choice of life style”. 

So, nothing to do with cuts in fire safety or the number of fire engines then! Suggesting that it is the fault of the victims really is a new low.