Research :: Firebrake Research

Research at Firebrake

It is a key objective for Firebrake to promote evidence-based practice in fire prevention and fire safety activity in Wales. We do this through leading and conducting primary research, as well as through the dissemination of information from other relevant fire safety research, from Wales and throughout the UK and beyond.

Firebrake’s research capacity has recently been extended, following the appointment of Richard Hall to the post of ‘Policy and Research Co-ordinator’ . Richard joined the team in February 2009, bringing considerable research knowledge and experience to the organisation. Before joining us, his most recent role was as Research Manager, for the UK’s largest privately owned student accommodation provider.

The 3 Welsh Fire and Rescue Services (FRSs) already employ their own methods to target their community fire safety interventions in their respective regions. Firebrake support this by carrying out research across the whole of Wales, which puts us in the unique position of being able to offer a Wales-wide perspective on fire safety research.

Evidence from recent research has clearly shown the benefits that can be achieved through closer collaboration between the FRSs and those community organisations that work for/with those people most at risk of fire. Firebrake will conduct research into how these partnerships can be most effective and who the best partners are for reaching vulnerable and/or hard to reach communities. The type of research will be a key focus for Firebrake and you can see an example of research that we've already conducted with the 22 Care & Repair Agencies in Wales below.

Community Drug & Alcohol Teams (CDAT's) and Local Mind Associations (LMA's)

Background and overview
Stage One Report - CDAT's
Stage One Report - LMA's

Firebrake Wales Fire Safety Report 2009

This report brings together up-to-date research and information relevant to community fire safety, specifically that which relates to accidental fires in the home.

Perhaps most importantly, the report devotes an entire chapter to partnerships, highlighting the benefits of partnership working and how best it might be approached to maximise chances of success. 

Firebrake Wales Fire Safety Report 2009 (PDF, 1.4MB)
Firebrake Wales Fire Safety Report 2009 - Executive Summary (PDF, 70KB)

Care & Repair Cymru - Understanding Partnerships and Partnering Potential

In 2009 Firebrake undertook an in-depth survey of all 22 Care & Repair (C&R) Agencies in Wales. The aim of the survey was to ascertain the current situation with regards to C&R Agencies and the Fire & Rescue Service partnership working througout Wales. Then, to identify information, ideas and opportunities for improving the safety and welfare of older people via the development of service delivery partnerships between C&R Agencies and the FRS.

Survey of Care & Repair Agencies in Wales: Understanding Partnerships and Partnering Potential - May 2009 (PDF, 172KB)

Smokefree Living

The Smokefree Living project aims to reduce the risks of smoking in the home to health, the environment, children and pets and fire safety. The project is delivered via a partnership between Firebrake and ASH Wales (Action on Smoking and Health) with support from the three Welsh Fire & Rescue Services. 

Click here to read the phase 1 evaluation (PDF, 170KB)