MORE lives were lost to fires in Lancashire in 2021 despite a decrease in call outs, new figures have revealed.

Data shows 12 people died as a result of fires attended by Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service in 2021 – up from five the year prior and eight in 2019.

Home Office data shows fire fatalities in the county peaked in 2018, when 13 lives were lost.

The increase in deaths in Lancashire comes despite a fall in fire callouts, with crews attending some 5,125 last year, down from 5,266 in 2020.

There were 347 fire-related casualties – of those, 91 required hospital treatment.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Jon Charters: “Every death is a tragic loss and firstly our thoughts are with those people who have lost loved ones as a result of a fire.

“The cause of every fire fatality is investigated, and our specialist trained fire investigators work alongside partner agencies like the police to look at how these types of fires can be prevented.

Read more: Death of 'jolly' man who died in garage fire ruled accidental

"We have fire safety practitioners that work in their communities and engage with people who we believe are at most risk of having a fire.

“Each year, the service produces a strategic assessment of risk which analyses where fires are most likely to happen based on statistical data and using this information, we can ensure that we have the right resources in the right place.

“Unfortunately, as the figures show, people still die as a result of fire and Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service will continue to do all we can with the resources that we have to minimise the risk.

“One of the services we offer is a free home fire safety check service which can be booked through our website or calling 0800 1691125.”

The Fire Brigades Union has branded a 27 per cent increase in fire fatalities across England as "terrifying", after nationally there were 280 fire fatalities in 2021 – the highest number since 2017, when the Grenfell Tower disaster occurred, claiming 72 lives.