§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many fires in(a) houses, (b) sheltered accommodation and (c) residential care homes took hold in upholstery which had not been treated with fire retardants in the last 12 months for which figures are available. [148944]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienThe information requested is contained in the table. The information provided by fire brigades distinguishes between upholstery containing combustion modified foam, which would comply with the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988, as amended, and upholstery containing other foams and fillings which do not. It is not possible to give a figure for the number of fires which may have started in upholstery treated with any form of proprietary flame retardant treatment. The information in the table relates to fires attended by local authority fire brigades in 1999 where upholstery furniture was the material first ignited.
Fires1 in dwellings and residential care homes where material first ignited was upholstery furniture, United Kingdom, 1999 Location Total upholstery fires Fires involving non-fire retardant upholstery2 Dwellings3 2,480 2,472 Of which: Sheltered accommodation 65 63 Residential care homes4 820 818 1 All figures are based on sample data, weighted to brigade totals. figures include late call, heat and smoke incidents. 2 Refers to any upholstery which contains foams or other fillings which do not comply with Regulations. 3 Dwellings include caravans, boats and other non building structures used solely as a permanent residence. 4 Includes elderly persons homes, children's homes, homes for the disabled, charitable hostels, and other types of welfare and charitable establishments.