Statistics about fires relating to people under the influence of alcohol makes sobering read

Shocking statistics from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service have revealed that people under the influence of alcohol or drugs account for 40% of those rescued from accidental house fires.

The statistics from April 2009 to July 2011 show that 131 incidents occurred when people in the affected properties were drunk or had taken drugs. Alcohol was also a factor in 30% of the deaths.

The most common incidents occur when drinkers start preparing a late night snack and then forget about their cooking or they light a cigarette and then fall asleep whilst it is still lit.

Station Manager, Mick Daniels said: “The statistics speak for themselves – people who are drunk are putting themselves at increased risk of being involved in a fire. A high percentage of these people have to be rescued, or in some cases have died, which indicates the severity of the fires they are involved in. Drinking makes you less alert and more careless, neither of which are a good combination when it comes to fire safety.
“Sometimes the incidents involve social drinkers but we are frequently coming across people who are alcohol dependent. We’d urge drinkers and those who care for people who are alcohol dependent to get in touch with us to arrange a free Home Fire Risk Check. We realise that we can’t stop people from drinking but we can put some prevention measures in place to reduce the risk of a fire occurring.”

George Ball died in an accidental house fire in Wolstanton in November 2010; he had been drinking on the night he died. On recalling her father’s death, George’s daughter, Jayne Harris said: “I spoke to my Dad on the Wednesday evening, he was at my Mum's paying his usual midweek visit to catch up on the gossip. We chatted for a few minutes and then he said ‘Okay duck, see you soon.’ On the Friday night I received the dreadful news that there had been a fire at his flat and he was dead. And that was it, no goodbyes and many unanswered questions I hoped we would one day sit and discuss, questions about family history and his travels abroad. I miss him so much every day and I wish he was here to see his grandson grow up and turn into a young man but that will never happen now.

“I support the Fire and Rescue Service in trying to raise awareness of fire risks and helping those who may be high risk, so that other people are prevented from experiencing this devastating event in their lives.”
Mick Daniels added: “As well as putting fire prevention measures in place we also work alongside our partners in the council, police and health service to encourage sensible drinking - putting fire prevention measures will certainly help to reduce the number of incidents but we need to address the root causes of alcohol and substance misuse in order to see a significant difference.”

To book a free Home Fire Risk Check contact: 0800 0241 999. You can also book online at http://www.staffordshirefire.gov.uk/bookyourhfrc.asp. For all other non emergency enquiries contact: 08451 22 11 55 or log onto: www.staffordshirefire.gov.uk or www.direct.gov.uk/firekills. In an emergency dial 999.