Fire-related deaths in B.C. up 207% since 2018, according to latest data
B.C.’s aging population, rising homelessness and increased development in rural areas are among the factors responsible for an increase in the number of fire-related deaths and injuries, says B.C.’s fire commissioner.
These grim statistics have earned B.C. second place in Canada behind Ontario when it comes to fire-related deaths and injuries. Smoker’s materials and open flames accounted for the most frequent causes of residential structure fires. They resulted in 655 fires, 36 injuries, and six deaths. Cooking equipment was the second most frequent cause of residential structure fires resulting in 599 fires, 34 injuries, and three deaths.Individuals aged 65 and over accounted for 35 per cent of all fire-related death for every year during the last five years, Godlonton said.
Godlonton said these figures point to a significant public safety education opportunity for fire services to increase fire prevention education campaigns and programs promoting the importance of working smoke alarms. Individuals can also protect themselves, and working sprinklers and smoke alarms offer the best protection, he said, adding that today’s structure fires burn faster and hotter than ever.
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