Research :: Role of Research

The role of research in improving fire safety

Thankfully, the number of people in Wales suffering injury and death in home fires has decreased over time. The chart below shows this trend for accidental dwelling fires between 1999 and 2006 (Source: WAG, Social Justice and Community Safety Statistics, from FRS data).

This trend has largely been driven by the greater emphasis of the Fire & Rescue Services in providing advice to communities on how they can reduce their fire risks and through installing thousands of smoke alarms in homes across Wales. However, there is still more that can be done to prevent further injuries and deaths - and evidence from research can help to support the direction, targeting and content of further fire safety initiatives. 

Furthermore, research (in the form of rigorous evaluation) can inform which initiatives and interventions work best in achieving stated desired outcomes. This could yet become more critical still, as economic conditions bring increased pressure to secure the best value from limited resources.

Anyone with an interest in reducing the incidence and severity of accidental domestic fires will want to find answers in the following areas:

We don’t have all the answers to all of these questions - but research can significantly add to our understanding in each and every one of these areas.