Increase in residential fires

The City’s fire and rescue service say there has been an increase of 15% in formal residential fires.

In June 2019, the brigade responded to 150 formal residential fires. 

Meanwhile, the number of informal residential fires decreased from 150 to 127.

There was also a decrease in fatalities, from 12 in June 2018, to six this year.

Mayoral committee member for safety and security, JP Smith, said: “Winter presents a challenge, as residents start relying on heaters, electric blankets and other methods to ward off the chill. The use of so-called galley fires, also known as imbawula, is another big risk factor, as the fumes could result in carbon monoxide poisoning.

Add other potential factors like electrical faults, smoking, open flames and the like, and the need for extreme vigilance becomes apparent.”