Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) has seen a 27.3 per cent drop in the total number of fires.

Between April 1 and September 30, 2024, the number of fires fell from 800 to 582 compared to the same period last year.

However, 'accidental primary dwelling fires' have increased from 75 to 98.

Cumbria's Police, Fire, and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, received an update on the performance of CFRS at his most recent CFRS Public Accountability Conference (PAC).

Mr Allen said: "The Public Accountability meetings provide me with the opportunity to hold the Chief Fire Officer and CFRS Senior Leadership Team to account on behalf of the public.

"It’s always reassuring to see overall fires reduce across the county.

"However, a rise in house fires is unsettling so we need to look at how we educate the public further on fire safety, especially as we head into the colder and darker months.

"CFRS will always be there when they are needed but no one wants a fire to break out in their home.

"I’m also pleased to see the increase in home fire safety visits that specifically targets our most vulnerable residents."

CFRS carry out Home Fire Safety Visits to reduce the risk of primary dwelling fires.

Between April 1, 2024 and September 30, 2024, the service has carried out 4,282 visits, 592 more than in 2023.

The service has attended fewer road traffic collisions in this time period, falling from 152 in 2023 to 114 in 2024.

However, firefighters have attended 28.6 per cent more water rescues.

In relation to non-fire-related incidents, CFRS has attended 890 callouts so far in this financial year compared to 809 in 2023.

The service has increased its engagements in communities across Cumbria, attending 1,388 engagements between April and September 2024.

CFRS has almost doubled the number of 'high-risk audits' completed to businesses in the county, 180 audits were delivered between April 1, 2024 and September 30, 2024 compared to the 93 delivered in the same period in 2023.

Callouts to 'commercial false alarms' decreased by 0.6 per cent and the number of 'actual commercial fires' in Cumbria has fallen from 90 to 63.

Mr Allen said: "The decrease of commercial fires correlates with our increase in high-risk audits so I hope that having the risk protocols and correct health and safety in place assisted by CFRS means that we will continue to see businesses in Cumbria stay fire-free.

"It’s concerning to see an increase in water rescues – we haven’t had the best weather in the county over the summer so cold-water shock has been a risk all-year round – I want to remind the public that just because the water looks calm does not mean that it’s safe.

"Our stations and crews are well embedded in their local communities so it’s no surprise – although incredibly positive – to see community engagement grow.

"I hope that crews visibility in our local areas reassures the public and builds trust in the service."

Fire service lead, Paul Hancock, said: "The reports presented at the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner’s Public Accountability Conference highlights the excellent work across our service.

"Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service aim to provide the best service possible to the public and this work highlights what we have achieved.

"We are constantly working towards a better CFRS for residents, visitors and staff so we welcome any and all feedback from the Commissioner – especially around what the public want to see."