An exploration of causal factors in unintentional dwelling fires

Abstract

We examine the causal factors involved in unintentional dwelling fire incidents within the Merseyside area of the North West region of the United Kingdom. The approach of all-subsets multiple linear regression was used to develop an unintentional dwelling fire risk model for the region. The risk model was based on data obtained from UK government agencies relating to causal factors identified by earlier published studies. In the region studied, mental health problems, disability and residents living alone were the most significant factors associated with unintentional dwelling fire fatalities. However, in a separate model of the incidence of unintentional dwelling fires within the region, binge drinking and smoking were additional statistically significant factors. © 2012 Macmillan Publishers Ltd.