Drop in fire service call-outs

THE number of fire service call-outs has dramatically dropped in Clare and South Galway this year with the greatest fall in Ennistymon, where calls to the fire brigade are down nearly 60%.

From January to September last year, Clare fire service responded to 957 call-outs, but in the same months this year it has been called to 612, a decrease of 36%.
“There is a large reduction in the number of calls in Clare for the last eight months or so, compared to the same period last year. On speaking with my colleagues in other fire authorities, they are also seeing reductions in call-outs for the fire service,” said Adrian Kelly, Clare’s chief fire officer.
In South Galway, the experience has been similar. “There has definitely been a decrease in the number of call-outs and perhaps this is in part down to the recession, where people are worried they won’t be able to pay the call-out charge. People may be reluctant to call but it is cheaper to call the fire brigade out than to rebuild a house and lives are irreplaceable,” said John Lally, station officer, Gort Fire Station.
Both Clare and Galway fire services offer waivers and part-waivers in certain circumstances.
Mr Lally also believes an increase in the number of people using solid fuel to heat their homes this winter, along with people not cleaning their chimneys, could lead to greater numbers of chimney or house fires.
“I think this year with the price of oil that people will be using more solid fuel and they need to exercise caution. I think between the drink-driving and the cost of going out, people will also be drinking more at home. Those people need to be extra careful too, particularly when it comes to smoking in the house,” he said.
“Overall, people need to make sure they have working smoke alarms, are using a spark guard and clean the chimney regularly,” Mr Lally continued.
In Clare, Mr Kelly noted a significant drop (71%) in the number of gorse, bog or land fires and believes decreased traffic has made a difference to the number of collisions the fire service is called to.
Possible reasons for the reduction in the number of call-outs, Mr Kelly says, could be the ongoing awareness advice on fire safety provided by the fire service, people being more aware of their surroundings and taking responsibility with their housekeeping arrangements in regard to fire safety and the ongoing improvement in the Emergency Call Answering Service (ECAS), which has helped reduce the number of malicious false alarms.
“We have seen an increase in people being more responsible in advising of when they are carrying out controlled burning on their lands which, in turn, reduces the number of ‘good intent false alarms’ that we receive,” Mr Kelly added.
Candles should not be left lit unattended or on an unstable surface, Mr Kelly said, adding that smoke alarms should be tested regularly to make sure they are working.
“At night, unplug or switch-off at socket all unnecessary electrical appliances, don’t overload sockets, place a spark guard in front of fire, keep escape routes clear, close all doors and make sure keys to exit doors are available,” he continued.
If a fire does occur, Mr Kelly’s advice is simple.
“Have a fire evacuation plan, practice it and make sure all family members and visitors are aware of it. Don’t open the door to a fire. If there is smoke, stay low to the ground, have an agreed meeting place outside the house, don’t re-enter the building, get out, stay out and call the fire brigade on 999 or 112,” Mr Kelly concluded.