Fire service: Drop in house blazes 'pleasing'

South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue, which expected a rise with people spending more time at home, said the figures were “pleasing”.

Crews attended 157 primary incidents across the region for the month ending April 23 — down 23 per cent on the same period in recent years.

Primary fires involve house fires as well as other insurable places, such as commercial properties, vehicles and larger outbuildings. 

Assistant chief fire officer Tony Carlin (pictured) said: “The drop is down to the hard work of staff, as well as the public’s co-operation, during the ongoing pandemic. 

“At such a challenging time, when we expected to see a slight increase in incidents due to people spending so much more time at home, this is really welcome news.

“Our operational fire crews and dedicated fire safety teams have been working hard since lockdown began, making welfare calls to those who may be vulnerable, dropping smoke alarms off, engaging with businesses and more, and it’s clearly made a positive difference.”

SYFR launched its lockdown campaign Keep Fire Safe on March 21, days before the Government instructed people to make only essential trips out.

Mr Carlin said: “The reduction in calls is also down to people across South Yorkshire who have taken on board our advice and taken steps to protect themselves, and their loved ones, from fire. They are our heroes right now and they have played their part so well.

“I’d like to thank them, and will also be thanking our staff, for their efforts. These are tough times for us all but we will get through it together, and I’d urge everyone to continue to follow Government advice during the lockdown.”