To consider the Accidental Dwelling Fire Fatality Analysis Between 2005/06 and 2024/25 Report (CFO/26/2526).

Chief Fire Officer, Nick Searle introduced the report advising Members that the report detailed the historical analysis of fatalities in accidental dwelling fires between 2005/06-2024/25 and that it offered an in-depth analysis of all fires including causes.  The Chief Fire Officer explained that page 57 of the report underpinned the Services fire safety strategy, and the analysis supported the introduction of other initiatives such as Older Persons Day and Winter Warm initiatives.  Members’ attention was drawn to Page 65 and it was explained that there had been an increase to seven fatalities for 2024/25 but this was a reduction from 2022-23.

The Chief Fire Officer confirmed that this would enhance a targeted approach and data would be used to identify vulnerable members of the public. It was noted that the Authority would engage with people already known to other professional services to assist in identifying risks within the community. 

Councillor Andrew Makinson expressed his thanks for a very detailed report although noted there was no breakdown on housing type and tenure which would have been useful.  He queried if it was particularly prevalent in high rise accommodation.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Ged Sheridan explained that the annual reports produced by the Strategy and Performance Department contained that data and that this report showed historical data which was being used to anticipate risk and evolve the Authority’s strategy.

Councillor Jan Grace noted that page 64 displayed that fire fatalities were a relatively rare occurrence, and fires were a lot less frequent, albeit that there were new challenges ahead like Lithium-Ion batteries.

Councillor Jeanette Banks also commended the report and expressed her thanks for the amount of work completed within communities which helped people to understand where dangers were and stated that this would be imperative for future planning.

Councillor Les Byrom referred to pages 71-72, smoke alarm analysis stating that types of detectors were changing and as the equipment modernised an analysis of the impact on the Service would be helpful.

Councillor Dave Hanratty acknowledged that it had been a massive task to collate this information, and  the report had identified the most vulnerable using data and how it was important to use intelligence to target demographics.

Councillor Heather Westhead stated that figures displayed that 57.7% had a disability (hearing impaired) and queried if work was being done for those hard of hearing.  Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Ged Sheridan confirmed that the Authority had outreach support workers to target the most vulnerable and also used a visual vibration for deaf people.

Councillor Jeanette Banks asked if the Authority had any influence on house builders regarding what they had to put in place, and it was confirmed that the Authority worked closely with them and were consulted. The Protection Teams also gave strategic guidance using new technology.

Councillor James Roberts said it was clear from the data that the Authority were heading in the right direction and only having one death during 2023/24 had been an excellent achievement.  It was queried about the rate per head of population as Wirral appeared to be an outlier and asked if there was any reason for this.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Ged Sheridan confirmed the strategy focused on pan-Merseyside in terms of targeted prevention however teams had been asked to review each district’s data to see if bespoke targeting could be introduced.

RESOLVED that the contents of the report be noted.