Transforming fire prevention: a case study

Abstract

Purpose:The purpose of the research project was to examine the transformation of fire prevention processes via improved targeting of fire prevention interventions over a four year period.Design / methodology / approach: A four year case study of the transformation of fire prevention processes involving a UK fire and rescue service, local council, NHS primary care trust and a police force was undertaken.Findings: Understanding the socio-economic causal factors underlying unintentional dwelling fires, and the need to work in collaborative partnerships to achieve change in such factors can support more targeted and effective fire prevention activities.Research limitations / implications: Analysis of underlying causal factors and their relationships, together with population segmentation and working in co-ordinated collaborative partnerships can support enhanced fire risk assessment and community safety. This supported more pro-active early intervention fire risk management.Practical implications: Analysis of socio-economic causal factors, and socio-economic groups associated with unintentional dwelling fires can assist in targeting fire prevention activities in a more effective and efficient manner. This enabled the fire and rescue service to target fire prevention to social groups most at risk of dwelling fires and the types of fires (for example, kitchen fires) relevant to the different social groups. Social implications:Collaborative public sector partnerships can achieve change in the socio-economic circumstances of at-risk individuals to support fire prevention. This enables the social and health related factors underlying fire risk to be addressed by the relevant partner health or social services agencies. Originality / value:The detailed analysis of the transformation of fire prevention activities that led to an implemented approach to enhanced community safety. In particular, the analysis and evaluation of the move to collaborative multi-agency partnerships to support and improve fire prevention activities.

Population Trends and Fire Prevention in Merseyside UK

“…Different population segments can have different levels and types of fire risk associated with them [38], [20]. Different population behaviours and lifestyles can also impact the level of fire risk [10], [37].…”

Fire Prevention Targeting by Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service in UK

“…Historically, fire prevention approaches tended to utilise spatial analysis, based upon the numbers of accidental dwelling fires in different areas, or spatial modelling based upon the numbers or percentages of more at risk individuals such as the elderly, smokers, and binge drinkers in different geographical areas [12][13][14]. Other approaches to targeting fire prevention have utilised community modelling in order to better understand the different communities in an area, and their level of fire risk [15][16][17]. Runefors et al [18] examined the effectiveness of specific fire prevention measures for different population groups in a study in Sweden and concluded that the effectiveness of different fire preventive measures depends upon on age, gender, occupancy type, whether an individual is living alone and whether the individual is a smoker.…”

Residential Fires in Metropolitan Areas: Living Conditions and Fire Prevention

“…Residential fires can be categorized in several ways, for example by fire ignition or fire losses, or by human or non-human action [38][39][40]. In this study, the residential fires registered by the rescue services in Swedish metropolitan areas are classified into three main groups or types depending on their causes [22].…”