This increase in tailored fire safety advice and support comes as Candle Fire Safety Week (20–26 October) coincides with Diwali, the Festival of Lights (20 October), celebrated by Hindu, Sikh, and Jain communities, when homes are illuminated with candles and oil lamps (diyas).
The timing serves as a timely reminder of the importance of fire safety, particularly when using open flames in the home.
Preventing fires, protecting lives
Despite being one of the smallest fire prevention teams in the country, the SFRS Prevention Team, led by Group Manager Lee Wilkins, has transformed home fire safety delivery across Suffolk.
The growth in HFSVs reflects improvements in working practices, stronger community engagement, staff training, and targeted support for vulnerable residents, ensuring help reaches those most at risk.
“Our focus is always on protecting residents where the risk of harm from fire is greatest – in their homes,” said Lee Wilkins, Head of Prevention. “Every visit and educational session increases the likelihood that domestic fires can be prevented.
He continued: “With nearly 850 accidental fires each year across England started by candles, this week is a perfect opportunity to remind everyone to take simple precautions. Keep candles and oil lamps (diyas) away from flammable materials such as curtains, decorations and soft furnishings, place them on stable surfaces out of reach of children and pets, never leave them unattended, ensure they are properly extinguished, and make sure smoke alarms are installed and working.”
Children and young people at heightened risk
Children and young people are particularly vulnerable in domestic fires. According to the Home Office, over 350 children under the age of 11 are injured and seven are killed in accidental fires in the home each year. ¹
Many of these incidents result from the accidental misuse of equipment or open flames, highlighting the need for targeted education and preventative measures.
To address this, the Prevention Team delivers the SPARK programme, designed by the Service's Youth Education and Development Manager, Claire Watkins. The programme provides fire safety advice tailored to each Key Stage, ensuring it is both age-appropriate and engaging.
Schools are selected based on local fire and safety incident data and the needs of communities facing higher levels of risk, ensuring that safety messages reach children and young people aged 4–19 who need them most.
Since its launch in September 2024, SPARK has already been delivered to over 5,700 children and young people in the 2024–25 academic year alone - an 850% increase compared with previous years.
Protecting the county's most vulnerable residents
For Suffolk residents, individuals who qualify for a Home Fire Safety Visit (HFSV) are visited by a specialist practitioner or operational firefighters who will help create a tailored home fire safety plan. Those deemed most at risk also receive free smoke alarms or specialist equipment.
This includes the elderly, individuals with hearing or sight impairments, those with limited mobility, and people living with dementia, who may have a reduced ability to respond quickly to fire hazards.
A study published in the Journal of Fire Sciences found that fire injury risk increases with age, being more common in older individuals. ² This is supported by data from the Home Office, published in 2024, which reported that in the year ending March 2024, 37% of all fire-related fatalities in England occurred among people aged 65 years and over, with a fatality rate of 10.9 per million for those aged 80 and over compared with 4.2 per million for the general population. ³
Factors contributing to this elevated risk include physical frailty, cognitive impairments, and the use of medications affecting alertness and mobility. ⁴
To help identify the most vulnerable in the community, the team has integrated with Safelincs, an online platform that allows residents or their carers to complete a virtual home fire safety check.
Based on the data entered, the platform alerts the Prevention Team to those considered most vulnerable and at higher risk. This approach ensures fire safety support reaches as many people as possible while prioritising additional resources for those who need it most. People deemed as low risk will still receive a bespoke Home Fire Action Plan.
Recognition and award success
The team’s achievements were recognised earlier this month with a Cabinet Member Award for Team Achievement, which was presented to them at this year’s Service Awards by Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Public Safety, Councillor Steve Wiles, who said:
“The Prevention Team’s work exemplifies the highest standards of dedication and professionalism. Their tireless efforts have a real, measurable impact on community safety, keeping residents across Suffolk safer in their homes.
“The team’s achievements demonstrate the difference that focused, proactive prevention work can make, and they set a benchmark for home fire safety for services across the country.”
For more information about home fire safety or to check your eligibility for Home Fire Safety Visit, visit Check if you're eligible for a home fire safety visit - Suffolk County Council, call 01473 260588 or email fire.businesssupport@suffolk.gov.uk.
References:
- Home Office. (2022). Fire safety for parents and child carers (accessible version). Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fire-safety-for-parents-and-child-carers/fire-safety-for-parents-and-child-carers-accessible-version
- Smith, J., et al. (2023). Fire injury risk and age: a review. Journal of Fire Sciences.
- Home Office. (2024). Detailed Analysis of Fires in England, April 2023 – March 2024.UK.
- Jones, L., et al. (2022). Older adults and fire risk: contributing factors. NFPA Journal.
