Drink or drugs play part in 184 fires

DRUGS or alcohol played a part in more than 10 per cent of house fires in West Yorkshire last year.

Firefighters dealt with 184 fires in which alcohol or drugs played a part – almost 12 per cent of fires in the home.

The statistic was released by West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service in a bid to drive down the number of alcohol-related fires.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Fire service area manager Brian Robson said: "Most people believe it will never happen to them, yet they will think nothing of coming home after a night out drinking and lighting a cigarette or cooking their supper.

"The reality is that being under the influence of alcohol significantly increases the risk of fire breaking out.

"When people have had a drink they are more likely to take risks, their responses become slower and they can fall asleep easily. This is a lethal combination and it can end in tragedy."

Anyone can book a free home fire safety check, which involves the fitting of free smoke alarms, by calling 0800 587 45 36.

Community safety officers will be giving advice and booking free home fire safety checks at Kirkgate shopping centre in Bradford between 9.30am and 4pm tomorrow .

Related topics: