By Anna Whittaker, Local Democracy Reporter
The number of people killed in fires in Nottinghamshire declined in 2023 compared to previous years – but the fire service says it will still learn from four incidents in which people lost their lives.
The fatal fires occurred in January, two in June and one in December. Three took place in homes and one happened in a vehicle.
In 2022 and 2021 there were seven fatal fires each year.
The deaths were discussed at a Fire Authority meeting on March 15.
Damien West, Assistant Chief Fire Officer, said: “It’s always a sad report to bring to members to look back at the incidents where we were unable to save people’s lives.
“I think we owe it to those people, their families and the community to make sure we learn from them.”
He said of the four incidents in 2023, two were in Mansfield, one was in Nottingham city and one was in Bassetlaw.
All of the people were over the age of 45.
He said two of the incidents were accidental, one was deliberate and one is currently under police investigation.
He said as a result of the fatal incidents, 620 properties in affected communities were given safety advice.
Of these, 39 homes did not have working smoke alarms, which were then provided by the service.
Mr West said: “It’s really important to remember that each one of those [deaths] is someone from our community.
“Whilst we talk in a lot of facts, it is not lost on any of us around the impact that those incidents have.
“We take it very seriously to review all our engagement with that person and our response and to make sure any actions we could’ve had with partner agencies that may have led to a different outcome.”
Mr West said: “All of the people who died had underlying medical conditions, mobility, impairment or mental health issues.
“Three of the casualties were known smokers and two had care and support packages in place.
“All four of the incidents were reviewed and all were found to have working smoke alarms where relevant. Three of the alarm systems were monitored systems.
“Those people had alarm systems, the alarm systems altered us to attend that incident, but sadly there was nothing we could do to save those people’s lives.”
Mr West said three of the casualties had healthcare support packages in place, but the service had only attended one of those premises to deliver terms of fire safety.
Mr West said: “There is still further work to do in terms of the accuracy of referrals.”
Mr West said the fire service commissions a Serious Event Review Group following any fatal fire or serious injury. The service also undertakes “community reassurance” in the weeks following an incident.
This includes the welfare of the crews as the incidents are “harrowing”.
Mr West said the service’s prevention work is being restructured.
Chair Cllr Nick Raine (Lab) said: “It’s good to see the number of fatalities has gone down, but each of those four is someone’s loved one. Our thoughts are with them.”
