Effective response in the initial five minutes of a house fire can be crucial in saving lives, according to a recent publication by Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW). The research highlights an alarming trend: although accidental house fires are less common, their lethality is on the rise.
The Adverse Fire Outcomes Report, which analyzed 30,891 FRNSW structure fire reports from 2016 to 2021, identifies key risk factors associated with fire fatalities, preventable deaths, injuries, evacuations, and fire spread. During this period, these incidents led to the evacuation of 109,592 individuals, resulted in 2,346 injuries, and caused 88 fatalities, including 52 preventable deaths. In 5,417 cases, the fire spread beyond its initial room.
Strategic Insights and Resource Allocation
The report provides strategic insights that could influence resource allocation at FRNSW. Notably, despite a decrease in the number of fires, fatalities from accidental structure fires have increased over the past six years. Quick response times are emphasized as critical for saving lives, reducing injuries, and preventing the spread of fires beyond the room of origin, which increases fatality risk by 4.3 times. The report also highlights elevated fatality risks for fires occurring at night, which increase the odds by 1.8 times, and for incidents involving hoarding, which escalate risks across several safety dimensions. Community education on fire actions in the first five minutes is identified as a priority.
Advancing Fire Prevention Education
FRNSW Field Operations Deputy Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell underscored the importance of recognizing shared risk factors early, allowing for prevention education and tailored interventions. "FRNSW has a legislative responsibility to prevent structural fires," Deputy Commissioner Fewtrell stated. "The report shows risk is complex and multi-faceted and there is no easy solution. Yet, the more we know about factors contributing to fire fatalities, the better we can target resources and prevention programs and inform evidence-based decision making."
Reducing the Risk of Fatalities
Deputy Commissioner Fewtrell emphasized that while a fire can escalate within minutes, prevention can occur in seconds. "Every winter you are at greater risk of death or serious injury from a fire starting in your home. We know response times matter, but you can help us help you by ensuring you have a working smoke alarm and when there is a fire, get out and stay out."
Comprehensive Recommendations
The report presents a thorough list of recommendations focusing on enhancing knowledge, data integration, incident reporting improvements, further research, and expanding prevention programs by FRNSW. Deputy Commissioner Fewtrell credited the authors and acknowledged the role of Monash University Accident Research Centre in peer reviewing the study. "I look forward to seeing the report’s recommendations implemented across FRNSW in support of our efforts to improve the safety and resilience of the NSW community."
Knowing what to do in the first five minutes of a house fire is critical to saving a life, according to new research released now by Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW), which shows that while accidental house fires are less frequent, they are becoming more lethal.
The Adverse Fire Outcomes Report used predictive analysis of 30,891 FRNSW structure fire reports from 2016-2021 to identify risk factors of structure fire fatality, preventable fatality, injury, evacuation, and fire extension. These fires led to a total of 109,592 persons evacuated, 2,346 injuries, and 88 fatalities, of which 52 were deemed preventable. Fire extended beyond the room of origin in 5,417 incidents.
Important findings to inform strategic direction
The report reveals important findings to inform strategic direction and resource allocation at FRNSW, including:
- Accidental structure fire fatalities over the last six years have increased despite a reduction in fires.
- Response time is a critical factor in saving lives, preventing injuries, and mitigating fire extension.
- When a structure fire extends beyond the room of origin, the odds of fatality increase 4.3 times.
- When structure fires occur at night, the odds of fatality increase 1.8 times.
- Hoarding is a significant concern with increased risk factors of fatality, injury, evacuation, and fire extension.
- Programs need to educate the community about what to do in the first five minutes of a fire.
Opportunity for prevention education
FRNSW Field Operations Deputy Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said early identification of shared risk factors
FRNSW Field Operations Deputy Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said early identification of shared risk factors at a residence provides an opportunity for prevention education and targeted intervention.
“FRNSW has a legislative responsibility to prevent structural fires,” Deputy Commissioner Fewtrell said. “The report shows risk is complex and multi-faceted and there is no easy solution. Yet, the more we know about factors contributing to fire fatalities, the better we can target resources and prevention programs and inform evidence-based decision making."
Risk of death or serious injury
Deputy Commissioner Fewtrell said a fire can take hold in a matter of minutes, yet it takes only seconds to prevent one.
“Every winter you are at greater risk of death or serious injury from a fire starting in your home. We know response times matter, but you can help us help you by ensuring you have a working smoke alarm and when there is a fire, get out and stay out.”
List of recommendations
An extensive list of recommendations is included in the report, which addresses the following key areas:
- Contribution to knowledge
- Data linkages
- Incident reporting enhancements
- Further research, and
- FRNSW prevention programs
Report’s recommendations
Deputy Commissioner Fewtrell commended the report authors and acknowledged Monash University Accident Research Centre for its generous assistance and expertise in peer reviewing the research.
“I look forward to seeing the report’s recommendations implemented across FRNSW in support of our efforts to improve the safety and resilience of the NSW community.”
