Fires fall by almost a third in last decade (From Times Series)

Fires fall by almost a third in last decade in Barnet

10:59am Monday 3rd September 2012 in News By Natalie O'Neill

Fires in Barnet have fallen by almost a third in the last decade, according to new figures released by the London Fire Brigade.

Steve Leader, the Brigade’s Borough Commander for Barnet believes preventative measures such as house safety visits have played a part in reducing the number of fires from 1, 351 in 2001 to 914 in 2011.

Last year the brigade dealt with fewer than three fires each day compared to almost four each day in 2001.

The number of house fires has also fallen by almost 20 per cent from 280 in 2001 to 226 last year.

Mr Leader said: “I think it’s due to the amount of work we’ve been doing on community safety in the last few years. We’ve been making the public more aware.

“We’ve been doing an increasing number of home fire safety visits over the last ten years. We go to local homes and give bespoke advice for that person and their property, and give out fire alarms.

“We’re also speaking to people most at risk – for instance people with mobility issues, or alcohol and drug dependence.

“But it’s also down to the built environment and fire protection. Modern technology and materials will also have helped reduce the number of fires.”

Overall, firefighters have been called out to 25 per cent less incidents, including call-outs to road traffic collisions, false alarms and non-emergency calls.