National Response Standards Ends Sees Fires Increase

The Fire Brigades Union says it is deeply worried by the sharp rise in business fire claims which have topped £1 billion for the first time, according to figures released by the Association of British Insurers. The Union said the figures showed its warnings that fire & rescue service cutbacks and changes would push up fire losses should have been heeded.

Insurers paid out £790 million in 2005 in commercial fire damage claims, a rise of 60%. There was an additional £220 million in business interruption claims as a result of fires.

The sharp rise coincides with the end of national response standards for the fire & rescue service in favour of locally based fire & rescue emergency response plans. The FBU has called for a rapid re-shaping of national policy and an end to fire & rescue service cuts.

General Secretary Matt Wrack said: "The increase in fire losses and fire damage to businesses in the first full year of the Government's reforms is truly shocking. These are people's jobs and businesses going up in smoke, not just property losses.

"We warned of the impact the cuts and changes would have. Business is now left counting the cost of these Government reforms.

"Our members are very proud of rescuing record numbers of people and saving lives, but we are now seeing a sharp rise in economic losses which often lead to a loss of livelihoods. We must keep driving down the number of fire deaths, but we must also ensure that at the same time we protect businesses, jobs, homes and commercial property.

"There must be a much wider appreciation of the value for money the fire & rescue service can provide and a move away from the narrow approach taken by Government and the Audit Commission. That needs a radical re-think in the Government's approach."

Source: FBU News

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