Almost 40 per cent of battery-powered smoke alarms failed to activate in residential fires in England in the past year – a level which has remained virtually unchanged in nearly a decade, the Local Government Association reveals today.
Latest figures show a fifth (21 per cent) of mains-powered smoke alarms failed to operate in residential fires in 2018/19 – but this “failure rate” is almost double (38 per cent) for battery-operated alarms and has stayed between 38 and 40 per cent since 2010/11.
The LGA, which represents councils and all fire authorities in England and Wales, is urging people to test their smoke alarms regularly, but especially during the run-up to Christmas when festive decorations, candles and lighting pose a potentially greater fire risk.
Industry figures show that one in 10 homes do not have a working smoke alarm, while more than a fifth (22 per cent) of households never test their smoke alarm. This is despite experts calculating that people are around eight times more likely to die in a fire in a home with no working smoke alarm.
Missing or faulty batteries account for a fifth (20 per cent) of battery-operated smoke alarms failing to activate. The main reason for a smoke alarm failing to activate is due to the fire not reaching the detector (45 per cent of cases).
The LGA is urging people without a working smoke alarm to buy one and test it regularly to check it is working – and to do this for less able family members and neighbours, changing batteries where necessary to help keep them safe.
It is also advising people to fit more than one smoke detector in their homes, with at least one fitted on the ceiling of every floor.
Cllr Ian Stephens, Chair of the LGA’s Fire Services Management Committee, said:
“Smoke alarms are proven life-savers, but these worrying ‘failure’ rates are a reminder to people to test their smoke alarms regularly and change batteries where necessary.
“Smoke alarm ownership has risen over the years to more than 90 per cent, but this encouraging trend is being dangerously undermined if they don’t activate due to faulty batteries.
“The run-up to the festive season is a timely reminder of the importance of fire safety, but working batteries aren’t just for toys at Christmas – they are needed in smoke alarms all-year round.
“With the increased potential fire risk from Christmas trees, decorations, candles and lighting, and people spending more time using heaters, open fires, and cooking hot food during the colder winter months, anyone without a smoke alarm should buy and fit one as soon as possible. They should also check the alarms of less able family members and those on their j – it may save their life.
“Many fire and rescue services can fit smoke detectors for free as part of a home fire safety visit.”
