Proud fire record, but there’s more to be done

Fire officers are keeping Oldham people safe, but there is still more to do across the region.

That’s the message from the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service after 12 fire deaths last year — though none in Oldham.

Assistant county fire officer for fire safety, Jim Owen, said: “Just one fire death is a tragedy and in too many cases we witness incidents where deaths could have been prevented by following simple fire safety advice and ensuring that smoke alarms are fitted and have working batteries.”

Detailed investigations into each of the 12 fatal incidents found that the majority had contributing factors such as alcohol, smoking, or drugs.

The fatalities are down from 2007/08 when 18 people died as a result of an accidental fire in their home in Greater Manchester, but up one on 2008/09.

County Fire Officer Steve McGuirk said: “As a professional firefighter I’m glad to see the figures remain so low. However, even a single death in an accidental fire is one too many.

“In line with our commitment to community safety initiatives we will study the causes of these incidents and continue to develop plans to reduce the risks even further.”

The latest figures, up to March this year, show there were four fatalities in house fires in Trafford, two in Manchester and Rochdale, and one in Bury, Stockport, Tameside and Wigan.

Anyone with concerns about fire safety in their home can arrange for a free home fire safety risk assessment by calling 0800 555 815 or by visiting www.manchesterfire.gov.uk