A shocking report has revealed that householders in Brent are more likely to die in a fire in their home then nearly any other borough in the capital.

The findings, from London's Fire Authority, show that Brent has the second highest annual death rate at 14.2 deaths per million population (pmp), just one fewer than the highest, Tower Hamlets at 14.3 deaths pmp.

'We put the main reason for Brent having such a high death rate from fires down to deprivation," said Borough Commander for Brent Fire Brigade, Gerard Hollingworth. "There is definitely a link with deprivation as people do not have smoke detectors in their home and lack fire safety awareness.

"There have been seven deaths this year alone in Brent. We've set up a new fire brigade structure and are fighting to increase the awareness of fire safety and the importance of smoke detectors."

"We are working with the community and want to train people on how to fit smoke detectors, but the community needs to co-operate. With all the will in the world, firefighters cannot fit smoke detectors in the whole area."

A spokesman for London Fire Brigade added: "Although these are mostly accidental deaths, the people most at risk seem to be those drinking alcohol and elderly people."

November 15, 2001 12:30