Which London Boroughs are the Worst for Fires?

In a bustling city like London, the fire brigade is constantly busy attending emergency call outs of varying severities, but there are several variables that mean the likelihood of fires is increased in certain areas and at certain times. The publication of a fire census from the London Fire Brigade has revealed the most prominent areas and times for outbreaks of fires in London boroughs.

The data collected showed that the busiest month for the fire brigade is July, and the most common time of day for most fires to start is 7pm. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the kitchen is the room where fires often break out. The report, named Fire Facts 1966 to 2014, shows that the amount of fires last year was less than half of the amount in the 1980s and 1990s.

In 2014, Barnet had only 609 fires, compared to 1,295 in 2000, and Enfield almost exactly halved their fires, with 724 in 2014 compared to 1,450 in 2000. The data gathered by the Fire Brigade shows the impact that community work and the emergency work of the Fire Brigade has had on people in London over the years. According to the results, the place most commonly visited by the fire service is Tower Hamlets. In 1987, fires in London claimed 28.5 lives per million residents, whereas in 2014 the figure dropped to just 3.4 per million.

There are many precautions that can be taken to ensure that the risk of fire in your home is minimised. With the increase in electronics and electric gadgets in and around the nation’s homes, there has also been an increase in fire risks, such as leaving gadgets plugged in to overheat or things like smartphones and laptops simply overheating. Remembering to turn off these gadgets before you leave the house or go to sleep will remove this risk, as well as provide you with the added bonus of savings on your energy bills.

As the study showed that the majority of fires were started in the kitchen, it is important that homeowners and tenants are aware of the hazards and safety precautions involved with cooking in the kitchen. Leaving gas stoves unattended, improper use of appliances and equipment and overloading sockets can all cause fires that can spread throughout homes rapidly.

Despite the obvious decline in the amount of fires in 2014 (the figure has dropped below 20,000 for the first time since records began for Greater London), fire safety precautions must be taken every day to ensure that these figures do not increase again.

Here at City Fire Protection, we are proud to be a leading independent provider of fire safety equipment for customers around the country. From fire extinguishers to fire alarms and dry risers, we have the equipment and skills required to install your fire safety products and keep you safe, whichever London boroughs you live or work in. For more information, get in touch with us today.