The Council, Police and the Fire Brigade in Lewisham are celebrating after newly-released figures revealed a significant reduction in the number of fires and fewer emergency call outs.
Between 2007 and 2008 fire related injuries were reduced by 17% and malicious false alarms fell be a dramatic 54%. Accidental fires in homes fell by 9% and fires involving rubbish or grass were reduced by 11%.
These successes are down to concerted action by the Council, Fire Brigade, Police and other partners who have worked together to reduce fire injuries and damage by:
- Fitting every Council properties with a smoke alarm.
- Rapid removal of abandoned vehicles, fly-tips and rubbish left in chutes.
- Using Council CCTV and Safer Neighbourhood Teams to track and prosecute arsonists.
- Partnership work to trace prank callers who have wasted the fire brigades time and resources by making false emergency calls.
- Informing businesses about the dangers of acetylene cylinders and how to store them correctly through information booklets funded by the Council and personal visits to business premises by Fire Brigade Personnel.
Sir Steve Bullock, Mayor of Lewisham, said: “Congratulations to everyone who has worked hard to achieve such excellent results. These figures are really encouraging and show how working together to achieve common goals can help to make the borough safer.”
Dave Smith, Borough Fire Commander for Lewisham, said: “I am very proud of the hard work my staff have carried out this year and the results we have achieved. I look forward to continued partnership working and an even greater success for 2008-2009.”
To receive a free home safety visit by the London Fire Brigade call 0800 28 44 28 or visit www.london-fire.gov.uk for more information.