Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service has recorded zero fire deaths from fires in people’s houses and homes (dwellings) across the Service area for the period between 2020/2021 (April to April).

This is especially encouraging news as the vast majority of people have been required to spend more time at home for work and social purposes due to the pandemic.

Over the past 12-months Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service staff and firefighters have dealt with 501* accidental dwelling fires across Tyne and Wear, and out of those incidents zero fatalities have been recorded (* these figures are up until April 2021).

Peter Heath, Deputy Chief Fire Officer for Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said:

“I am extremely happy that there has been zero fire related deaths in homes across our service area in the past year however, we are never complacent about the need for safety in the home and education and advice are key to supporting that.

“Every single member of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service works hard in preventing fires, educating and raising awareness of safety in the home, as well as a first class response to emergencies when unfortunately a fire does occur.

“Our free safe and well visits to people’s homes provide a valuable opportunity for home occupiers to have Fire and Rescue Service staff attend their home and give advice regarding safety and wellbeing around the home, which of course has a focus on fire safety.”

(as pictured above) DCFO Heath added: “We live in a part of the world with a population of well over one-million people and to have zero fire fatalities in people’s homes over a one-year period is incredible.  This was achieved during the grips of a pandemic when most people’s homes were also their office and workplace. The impact of any death on a local community can be devastating and striving for zero fire deaths will continue as a key objective for all TWFRS staff.

“The Service would like to thank everybody for being extra careful and to continue to increase their fire prevention methods, whether it’s doing regular smoke alarm checks, having an escape plan ready to set in motion or being careful when cooking in your kitchen.  Please continue to stay safe.”

If you feel you might benefit from a safe and well visit or telephone discussion with TWFRS staff please fill in the appropriate form on the Fire Service website alternatively please call (0191) 444 1500.

(During the pandemic our safe and well assessments have mostly been online or over the telephone but please fill in the online form and get in touch).

For further information about Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service please visit www.twfire.gov.uk

(pictured below – TWFRS Control Room located at Service Headquarters)