Epidemiology of dwelling fires in England 2010–2023

Abstract

Despite the number of dwelling fires having decreased around 4 % over the past decade, this incident type is still the leading source of fire-related fatality and casualty in the UK. This study reviews the prevalence of a range of risk factors in dwelling fires, their individual effects on casualties and fatalities, and explores the associations between different risk factors in incidents with at least one fire-related fatality or casualty from dwelling fires in England.

Method

This is a retrospective cohort secondary analysis of all dwelling fires in England attended by any of the 44 English Fire Rescue Services recorded on the Home Office Incident Record System between April 1, 2010 and March 31, 2023. Bivariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used to explore the relationship between risk factors recorded and the incidence of at least one fire-related fatality or casualty in dwelling fires.

Findings

Fatalities or casualties were most likely to occur in dwelling fires at night (OR: 1.78, p < 0.001; adjusted OR: 1.80, p < 0.001), in properties with single occupancy (OR: 1.60, p < 0.001; adjusted OR: 1.25, p < 0.001) and occupant(s) of pensionable age (OR: 1.57, p < 0.001; adjusted OR: 1.54, p < 0.001) and when the extent of fire spread beyond the initial item ignited on arrival (OR: 2.34, p < 0.001; adjusted OR: 2.53, p < 0.001). The human behaviour associated with the highest relative risks of involving a fatality or casualty was identified as lack of attention when handling hot objects or naked fire (OR: 5.12, p < 0.001; adjusted OR 4.40, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study provides valuable insight on the epidemiology of dwelling fire in England and will support fire prevention efforts of FRS including development a targeted approach for home fire safety visits. These findings will enable targeting of households at elevated risk of experiencing a dwelling fire and particularly those at increased risk of fatality or casualty due to dwelling fire. It will also support the refinement of fire prevention messages to raise awareness of the highest risk factors of injuries and fatalities in dwelling fires.