Objectives set to reduce number of fire deaths are not met

print this

The objectives set by the Government to significantly reduce the number of fire-related deaths appear to remain just numbers on paper.
     
In its Internal Security Programme from 2008, the Government set an interim goal to reduce the number of fire fatalities to 65 in 2011, and to 50 by 2015.
      Fires are estimated to cause EUR 150 million worth of damage every year in Finland during the period concerned.
      In the spring of 2008, the experts at the Ministry of the Interior suggested that Finland could reach the goal of less than 50 fatalities per year already in 2009.
      However, after the fatal fire in Naantali on Friday night, the figure for the current year is 77 fire deaths, and we still have two and a half months to go, including the time when candles traditionally add to the risk.
     
The experts calculated further that by improving the level of fire safety, it would be possible to reach the goal of less than 30 fire fatalities in 2012.
      The idea was that Finland could be among the five safest countries in the European fire safety comparison.
     
The number of fire-related deaths was 20 per one million inhabitants over the period from 2003 to 2006.
      The proportion of those who died in fires while being under the influence of alcohol has grown, which is partly attributable to women’s increased used of alcohol.
      In general, approximately 70 per cent of all people who die in fires are under the influence of alcohol.
      According to the experts, the annual number of fire-related deaths can be estimated to amount to 130 or 140 cases by 2025.
      Contributing factors in the increase of deaths by fire are the growing number of ageing people and the number of senior citizens living alone.
     
The measures proposed by the experts suggest for example that the cigarettes on the market should be replaced by self-distinguishing cigarettes and that fire safety in the homes of risk groups should be improved.
      On an annual basis, approximately 100 people die in fires in Finland which is a high number in proportion to the population.
      Looking back at comparison figures from 2004, the country fares very poorly when compared with other Western European countries, although the figures fall far short of those in Russia and Estonia.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Number of fire deaths may reach record levels this year (21.2.2007)
  Espoo Rescue Department faulted for serious errors in deadly fire last year (21.8.2009)
  At least five dead in Espoo house fire (27.3.2008)

Links:
  Ministry of the Interior: Internal Security Programme

Helsingin Sanomat