THE number of fatal fires in Tyne and Wear has fallen to its lowest level.

Figures for Tyne and Wear Metropolitan Fire Brigade showed that from April 1 last year to March 31, the brigade attended a total of 26,157 incidents. Only three of the blazes were fatalities - the lowest recorded in the brigade's 27-year history.

Chief Fire Officer Richard Bull said: "This is a fantastic effort and reflects on the work done by all personnel in the community and the organisation."

Although the number of incidents has fallen, the fire brigade is continuing its work to reduce the number of fires in the home.

Mr Bull said: "It is evident now that the only way to make further inroads into reducing domestic fire fatalities is by introducing domestic sprinkler systems.

"We actively pursue ways in which fire-related deaths, injuries and accidents can be reduced, with particular emphasis on community fire safety initiatives relevant to Government policy."

He said: "It is heartening to note a decrease for the eighth consecutive year in the number of malicious false alarm incidents attended by the brigade, with the current figure of 1,259 being the lowest for 16 years."

The Tyne and Wear brigade attributes the decrease in fires to a number of factors, including community fire safety initiatives.