How to reduce fire deaths

The Herald ~ September 29 2005

If there is an event more devastating than an unexpected death, it is one that is also avoidable. The observation was made yesterday by Catherine Dyer, area procurator-fiscal for Glasgow, who has had numerous dealings with the distraught families of those who die in accidental house fires. In the west of Scotland, such deaths have declined significantly. A generation ago, before smoke alarms and fire-retardant upholstery material and when many still relied on open fires for winter heat, 100 a year was a typical figure. Last year, it was down to 31.

Even so, Strathclyde fire deaths are still worryingly high compared with the rest of the UK. Why? Evidence points in one direction: drunkenness, especially when combined with smouldering cigarettes or unattended chip pans. Last year, alcohol was a contributory factor, directly or indirectly, in 87% of domestic fire deaths in the Strathclyde Fire and Rescue area.

Many of these deaths could have been avoided if the premises had been fitted with functional smoke alarms. Note the word "functional". It is estimated 90% of Scottish homes are fitted with smoke alarms, including all social rented housing, but a significant number do not work because the battery is flat or has been removed. Significantly, in nearly one-third of homes where there was a fatal fire last year, alarms were not fitted and in another third they were not working. A shift in policy emphasis towards prevention in the fire service and co-ordination with housing and social work departments and the police can result in identifying vulnerable individuals. Tell-tale burn holes in sofas and bedding can indicate a tragic accident waiting to happen. Fire officers can then visit, offer advice and install a new-style tamper-resistant smoke alarm with a long-life battery and even offer a thermostatically-controlled fryer. In an important pilot scheme in Renfrewshire, an alcoholics' support group is helping to identify those who might benefit.

Such schemes can succeed only if they are executed in the spirit of supporting vulnerable individuals, rather than pillorying them as a menace to their communities. And, given the number of fire crews subjected to attacks, it is important that firefighters can maintain their neutral status, rather than being seen as a branch of law enforcement agencies or the local authority. A softly, softly approach is key. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is currently testing a new generation of sprinkler systems, such as those installed in residential homes in the wake of the Rosepark nursing home tragedy last year. Sadly, until such technology is adopted at a domestic level, the combination of heavy drinking and cigarettes will continue to be lethal in more ways than one.