Fire safety
Since 2022, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service has recorded 19 fire-related deaths and 12 serious injuries.
Analysis found no clear link between demographic factors and these incidents; however, it has highlighted the possibility that care and support needs such as physical disabilities, frailty, and cognitive or mental health issues may have contributed in some cases.
The analysis also showed that a higher number of formal care visits per day indicated a greater level of support needs. Additionally, there were instances where individuals may have had care and support needs but declined available support.
Advice for professionals
Supporting Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service with preventing further deaths and serious injuries
Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service (DFRS) has established a process to help professionals identify individuals at risk and facilitate referrals for a Safe and Well check. These checks are designed to address potential fire-related hazards, recommendations specific to the home environment, fire escape plans and we may also fit smoke alarms if needed.
Identifying people who are at risk
Professionals working within the community are encouraged to be vigilant in recognising signs that someone may be at heightened risk of fire due to physical disabilities, frailty, cognitive or mental health challenges, or a high number of formal care visits. It is also important to consider the home environment and practices within this that could start a fire.
Referral process
When professionals identify individuals who may benefit from additional safety measures, they can refer them to DFRS for a safe and well check. This referral process supports proactive engagement, helping to reduce the likelihood of fire related deaths or serious injuries among those with care and support needs. This referral process is called CHARLIE.
CHARLIE-M
The CHARLIE-M referral process gives professionals a guide to what Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service believes are risks in the home that could cause or may result in a fire in the home, which are:
- care and support needs
- hoarding
- alcohol
- reduced mobility
- lives alone
- inappropriate smoking
- elderly 65 or over
- mental health
The Multi-Agency Hoarding Framework (MAHF) provides a collaborative multi-agency ‘person centred approach’ for addressing matters arising as a result of hoarding in Derby City and Derbyshire County.
If professionals visiting people in their homes identify any of the CHARLIE-M risks, prompt action should be taken by referring the person to Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service for a safe and well check. This ensures that those at heightened risk receive tailored advice and support to reduce potential fire hazards. By making a referral, professionals play a vital role in safeguarding vulnerable individuals and helping to prevent fire-related incidents in the community.
Professionals can refer by visiting the Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service website or access the advice for professionals page. This will provide you with a link to complete a referral form. The form will take you through several questions about the person you wish to refer, and the activities or risks observed in the home environment that you believe puts them at risk of having a fire. It is, therefore, important that the referral is submitted by someone who has visited the home. We are unable to accept referrals without this information.
Who else can have a safe and well visit?
Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service (DFRS) target areas and households where we know there is a higher risk of fire, primarily the more vulnerable groups in the community. As such we do have an eligibility criterion for our safe and well checks.
If you do not qualify for a free safe and well visit you can use the DIY online home fire safety check tool and carry out your own check.
A visit can take anywhere between 30 minutes to 1 hour dependant on the size of the property and the risks identified. You must reside at the property, so that DFRS can assess what risks are associated with how you live within the property. You are, however, able to ask a friend or relative to be present if you feel you would need this extra support. Should you require any further information regarding a safe and well Visit or to see if you or someone you know is eligible, please contact your local area office:
British Sign Language information about fire safety in the home
Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service offers a British Sign Language (BSL) video designed to help keep people safe at home, along with several BSL videos that explain how and when to use the 999 BSL service. The main video shares practical tips to reduce fire risks and includes important advice like general fire safety and specialist guidance on smoke alarms for people who are hard of hearing – there’s also a BSL pictorial home fire safety guide.
15 minutes to save a life fire safety campaign
Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service’s fire safety campaign is called ‘15 Minutes to Save a Life’. Fifteen minutes is all it could take to protect someone you care about from the risk of a fatal accidental house fire. To support the campaign, you can download posters and leaflets.
Fire safety when using emollients
Emollient creams are moisturisers that can be used to prevent or treat dry skin conditions like eczema, pressure ulcers (bed sores), ulcers and psoriasis.
Emollients come in a variety of forms, like creams, lotions or gels. All cover the skin with a protective film to reduce water loss. They are highly flammable and pose a fire risk, especially for people who spend long periods in bed or an armchair due to illness or limited mobility. It's important to be aware of the fire safety risks if you or a person you care for needs moisturising creams.
To raise awareness of this issue, the Derbyshire Safeguarding Adults Board has created a poster about emollients, which is attached to this page. We encourage you to read it and share it with others.