The fire service has launched a training programme which aims to reduce fire fatalities and causalities among vulnerable people, after the death of a 77-year-old woman in a house fire.
Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service has launched the training programme called Caring Together, and is asking all professionals who visit the homes of vulnerable people to take part in the awareness training to help them to identify fire hazards and reduce risk.
The initiative follows the death of a 77-year-old woman in a house fire in 2012.
Following an inquest, Hertfordshire’s Coroner Edward Thomas called on authorities in the county to work together to "prevent this happening again" and prompted Hertfordshire Safeguarding Adults Board to carry out a Multi Agency Serious Incident Review (MASIR).
Investigators found although smoke alarms activated during the incident, early warning signs had been missed that could have potentially prevented the fire, which was the result of a carelessly discarded cigarette.
The review highlighted missed opportunities to reduce the fire risk for the resident and identified more widespread measures to prevent or reduce the risk of fire in the homes of vulnerable adults.
The training sessions take place at fire stations countywide and are aimed at all professionals, including the private and voluntary sectors, who visit the homes of vulnerable people.
More information and safety tips can be found at www.hertsdirect.org/fire
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