Efficient FRS work saves lives in Tyne and Wear

 For the first year ever no accidental house fire deaths were recorded in Tyne and Wear after preventive efforts from the Fire and Rescue Service.

The Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service introduced free Home safety Check strategies which involved fire safety advice, advising residents on best escape plans in case of a fire, fitting free smoke alarms and ensuring fire safety is part of the resident’s local routine.

Between 1 of April 2012 and 31 of March 2013, there have been no accidental house fire deaths compared with the previous two years.

Firefighters' phenomal dedication 
Chief Fire Officer Tom Capeling (pictured) said: “This is fantastic news and is in no doubt due to our effective Home Safety Check Strategy and the phenomenal dedication of our staff across the Service in planning and undertaking home safety checks. 

"Our dedicated staff  have been working hard in the heart of our diverse and vulnerable communities giving free fire safety advice.”

He added that they used intelligence led information to target vulnerable residents from fire by installing smoke alarms and carrying out home safety checks.

Great partnership with other organisations
Chairman of the Fire and Rescue Authority, Cllr Tom Wright, said: "I would personally like to thank staff for their hard work over the years, as well as all our partners across Tyne and Wear for supporting the Service in this achievement”.

He also confirmed a continuous partnership with other firms and local people to consistently lower fire related incidences especially within the current financial climate.

Figures show that between 2005/6 and 2012/13, 245,088 home safety checks have been carried out in Tyne and Wear with 42,200 carried out by partners.

Life saving benefits of smoke alarms
These figures highlight the life saving benefits of having working smoke alarms and in no doubt have made a difference between life and death.

Residents have been advised to install alarms on each floor of the house so that every occupant is aware of what to do in case of a fire.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service also believe it is the only metropolitan Fire and Rescue Service in the UK to have had no accidental fire deaths over the last year..