Following an increase in injuries during fire incidents, Lincolnshire residents are being reminded not to tackle fires themselves and instead to call 999 immediately.
The amount of injuries, including smoke inhalation and burns, that occurred at fire incidents in April was significantly higher than in previous months and years.
Incidents during April resulted in 15 people sustaining injuries, eight of which required further treatment afterwards. Some of these injuries were a result of people trying to tackle the fire instead of exiting the building at the earliest opportunity.
Now, Lincolnshire’s fire service is warning residents that if they have a fire they need to get out and stay out of the building without delay.
Area Manager for Prevention and Protection at Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, Dan Moss said: “Although the number of casualties in fires for last year was the lowest in six years, during April we saw a significant increase in injuries to people as a result of fires. During the 2022/23 year, 21 fire-related casualties sustained injuries that required further treatment, but in April alone there were eight.
“We are hoping that this is a one-off month, but we want to take the opportunity to remind people that in the case of a building fire – get out and stay out. Some of last year’s injuries included where people had delayed escaping the building, had tried to tackle the fire themselves, or had returned to a fire, and all of these are incredibly dangerous.
“Injuries also occurred where people were unable to leave a building – either they had been asleep or physically unable to leave. This really underpins the importance that everyone has working smoke alarms and an escape plan for their home and anywhere they regularly stay. The quicker you can be alerted to a fire and get out, the better.”
In the event of a fire, get out, stay out and call 999. Make sure you have working smoke detectors fitted and that your whole family knows how to escape in case of a fire.