Latest GOV.UK Fire Statistics Reveal Rising Fire Incidents Across England
7th Oct 2026
On 22 July 2026, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government published the latest Fire and Rescue Incident Statistics for England covering the year ending March 2026. The figures provide an interesting insight into the challenges facing Fire and Rescue Services and reinforce the importance of effective fire safety training in the workplace.
Fire Services Are Attending More Incidents
Fire and Rescue Services attended 641,227 incidents during the year ending March 2026. This represents a 5.8% increase compared with the previous year and is 24% higher than five years ago.
Although incident numbers remain significantly lower than the levels seen in the early 2000s, the long-term trend over the past decade has shown a gradual increase in demand on fire service resources.
Fires Increased by 19%
One of the most notable findings from the report is that Fire and Rescue Services attended 170,597 fires, an increase of 19% compared with the previous year.
The increase was largely influenced by the hot, dry summer of 2025, which contributed to a significant rise in outdoor fires across England.
Outdoor Fires Rose Dramatically
The statistics show:
- Outdoor primary fires increased by 48%.
- Secondary fires increased by 30%.
- Firefighters attended over 102,000 secondary fires during the year.
These figures highlight the importance of good housekeeping, waste management and vigilance during periods of warm weather.
False Alarms Continue to Impact Fire Service Resources
Perhaps the most surprising statistic is that Fire and Rescue Services attended 255,047 false alarms during the year.
In fact, firefighters attended significantly more false alarms than actual fires.
Of these false alarms:
- 172,247 were caused by fire alarm systems and apparatus.
- 77,181 were due to calls made in good faith.
- 5,619 were malicious false alarms.
This demonstrates why effective fire alarm management, maintenance and staff awareness remain essential for organisations of all sizes.
Building Fires Remain a Significant Risk
During the reporting period, Fire and Rescue Services attended 39,859 building fires. While this figure has reduced over the last decade, it still represents a substantial number of incidents affecting homes, workplaces and public buildings.
The statistics also recorded 695 fires in purpose-built high-rise flats and maisonettes, demonstrating the continued importance of fire safety measures and evacuation planning in multi-storey buildings.
Fire Fatalities Decreased
There was some positive news within the report.
The number of fire-related fatalities decreased from 271 to 254 fatalities during the year ending March 2026. These fatalities occurred in 239 separate fatal fires.
Previous government data also shows that older members of society remain among the most vulnerable, with approximately 39% of fire-related fatalities involving people aged 65 and over.
What Does This Mean for Employers?
The latest statistics reinforce several important fire safety messages:
1. Prevention Remains Critical
Many workplace fires can be prevented through:
- Good housekeeping.
- Effective waste management.
- Electrical safety inspections.
- Control of hot works.
- Secure storage of combustibles.
- Arson prevention measures.
2. Fire Wardens Play a Vital Role
The average response time to a serious fire in England is approximately 9 minutes from the initial emergency call to the arrival of the first fire appliance.
This means that during the crucial first few minutes of a fire, Fire Wardens are responsible for:
- Raising the alarm.
- Assisting evacuation.
- Checking designated areas.
- Being aware of Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) and local evacuation arrangements.
- Reporting information to the Fire and Rescue Service.
3. Emerging Risks Continue to Grow
Lithium-ion batteries continue to feature prominently within fire safety discussions across industry sectors.
From laptops and mobile phones to power tools, e-bikes and electric vehicles, organisations should ensure that staff understand safe charging practices and know how to identify warning signs such as overheating, swelling, smoke or unusual odours.
Final Thoughts
The latest fire statistics demonstrate that although significant progress has been made in reducing fires and fatalities over recent decades, fire remains a very real risk.
With over 170,000 fires, 255,000 false alarms, and 641,000 total incidents attended by Fire and Rescue Services in just one year, there has never been a more important time to ensure staff receive effective fire safety and Fire Warden training.
Effective Fire Warden Training and Fire Awareness Training helps employees understand how to prevent fires, respond to alarms, evacuate safely and support workplace fire safety arrangements.
At Red Box Fire Control, we continue to deliver practical, engaging Fire Warden and Fire Awareness training designed to help organisations meet their legal obligations and, most importantly, protect people from fire.
Fire Awareness Training Course
Sources: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Fire and Rescue Incident Statistics: Year Ending March 2026
