There is documented evidence following Safeguarding Adult Reviews (SAR) highlighting that following fatal accidental fires in the home, adults with care and support needs may be at an increased risk of fire. However, these traits are not always recognised by their care provider and are not shared with fire and rescue services who are best placed to offer advice guidance and support.

Public sector organisations have a duty under the Care Act 2014 to work effectively and in partnership to ensure that individuals can continue living independently, safely in their own home for as long as possible.

Fire service data analysis concludes that casualties of accidental dwelling fires who are in receipt of care and support, are more likely to be severely injured or die as a result of the fire.

Identifying vulnerability and risk to fire

The following are characteristics and vulnerability to fire that you may see or become aware of during the course of your work:

• Smoking within the property
• Dementia
• Disorganised living – hoarding behaviours
• Learning Disability
• Inappropriate use of or unsafe electrical appliances
• Use of prescribed medication
• Heaters and open fires
• Sensory impairment
• Air flow mattresses and cushions
• Mental ill health
• Physical impairment/Limited Mobility/Reduced Manual Dexterity  
• Emollient creams 
• Incontinence pads
• Living alone 
• No working smoke alarms
• Use of medical oxygen

While individually, these can increase risk to an individual, combinations of these characteristics will escalate the risk and make it even more vital to ensure appropriate support and mitigation is considered. 

Where risk and vulnerability to fire is identified, a Home Fire Safety Visit should be requested, even where the individual may not meet eligibility/thresholds for care provision. Consent is required for all visits. 

For free fire safety advice or to request a free home fire safety check, call 0800 0321155

Book a home fire safety visit here

Free Professionals Hazard Awareness Training

To assist partners in identifying when an individual may benefit from a Home Fire Safety Visit, our team of Prevention Engagement Officers can deliver free Professionals Hazard Awareness training; this is for staff members who work with vulnerable individuals.

The training will provide the professional with the awareness to spot fire hazards and unsafe practices around the home and the knowledge on how to refer an individual to us for a free HFSV. The aim of the training is to reduce death and injury from fire and other hazards through effective partnership working, making every contact count and save more lives.

Please contact the Prevention Team for more details and to book:

Tel: 0800 032 1155

Email: signposting@hwfire.org.uk