Strathclyde Fire and Rescue have launched a campaign to prevent alcohol related fires, after research found that 87% of fire deaths in 2004/05 were a consequence of the victim's drinking, or the result of somebody else's drinking. The associated story on BBC Scotland caught my eye because it can be very difficult to get local quantitative data on alcohol-related fire. Also, the figure quoted in the Strategy Unit's Interim Analysis is 38-45% - somewhat lower that 87%!
Strathclyde Fire and Rescue has the only dedicated fire investigation section in Scotland at present, and its detailed investigations into fatalities include toxicology to test for the presence of alcohol (or other drugs) in the victim's blood, and work with the police to understand what the victim was doing in the hours leading up to the fire.
The profile of a typical Strathclyde fire victim is: male, over 50, a smoker, living alone, excessive drinker. The research suggests the fires occur when he gets home from the pub and falls asleep in the living room or bedroom with a lit cigarette - which is what anecdotal evidence suggests too.
Strathclyde Fire and Rescue have produced a booklet (available via 01698 300999) that sets out the findings and supports the multi-agency campaign. The research and campaign follow similar work on Merseyside. Fatal Fires on Merseyside 2003/04 report here.
In London, I believe a report into fire deaths from 1996 to 2004 is currently being prepared, which will include alcohol involvement (but in victims only, not third parties).
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