Deprivation and fire injury

The association between deprivation and accidental dwelling fire injuries was examined in Merseyside which has a high proportion of deprived areas. For the years 2006 to 2016, over half of the accidental dwelling fire injuries in Merseyside occurred in deprived areas, and almost three quarters of alcohol and drug related accidental dwelling fire injuries occurred in such areas. In particular, we examine the relationship between the established accidental dwelling fire injury risk factors of old age, disability and alcohol and drug consumption and the level of deprivation. There were strong correlations between deprivation and the overall number of fire injuries, and between deprivation and fire injuries relating to alcohol/drug consumption, disability/mobility related fire injuries, and fire injuries sustained by those aged 65+.