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INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

Consequences of fires in dwellings

According to UK fire statistics[1], each year most fires in buildings attended by local authority fire and rescue services are fires in dwellings, and most fire deaths and injuries occur as a result of people being overcome by smoke or toxic gases. Accidental fires which result in deaths in dwellings most frequently start in rooms defined as ‘the lounge, living or dining room' followed by rooms defined as ‘the bedroom or bed sitting room'. Most injuries are caused by accidental dwelling fires which start in the kitchen.

According to an analysis of fires reported by insurers[2], the total estimated loss for large fires in dwellings in the UK (involving a loss greater than £250,000) was £9.4 million for 24 fires for the year September 2007 to August 2008. According to another estimate[3], the total cost of property damage for domestic fires in 2004 was £421 million.