Where applicable, we publish responses to requests under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. This one, , is detailed below.
Other FOI's
Ref: FOI/20106
RE: FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2000 REQUEST
I am writing to confirm that the West Midlands Fire Service has now completed its search for the information you requested further to your freedom of information request.
Please find below a summary of our findings.
Request
I would like to have the number of fires caused/started by lights on a Christmas tree in each of the past five years, so from 2015 to 2019.
Please provide me with figures broken down by year – i.e. separate statistics for 2015, 2016, and by local authority, in the area covered by your Fire Brigade.
In addition, where there has been a fire caused/started by lights on a Christmas tree, I would like information on the damage caused, the cost of damage and any injuries or fatalities as a result of the fire.
Reply
Please see attached.
Please note that as West Midlands Fire Service does not specifically record ‘lights on a Christmas tree’, the data provided is for the ignition source and first item ignited for relevant incidents using the criteria:
- Christmas
- Xmas
- Fairey
- Fairy
- Tree
The cost of damage caused by an incident is exempt under section 1 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 as we do not hold this information. We do not record the cost of the damage following an incident.
If you have any queries about this Freedom of Information request, please contact us. Please remember to quote the reference number above in any future communications.
For service complaints, issues or comments regarding this request please contact The Public Relations Department, West Midlands Fire Service, 99 Vauxhall Road, Birmingham, B7 4HW
Further information concerning Freedom of Information requests can be found on the Information Commissioner website at either the following link: https://ico.org.uk/ or at Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, SK9 5AF.