The Economic Cost of Fire

A recent report published by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister contains new estimates surrounding the cost of fire to the economy of both England and Wales.

In summary we have pulled out a few facts and figures for your convenience:

Fire continues to impose significant costs on the economy, in 2004 total costs were estimated at £7.03bn, equivalent to approximately 0.78% of the gross value added of the economy. £2.77bn of the costs were incurred in anticipation of fire.

The cost of the Fire and Rescue Services (FRS) responding to fires was estimated at £1.74bn, with the remaining £2.52bn attributable to the consequences of fire, consisting of property damage, lost business, the economic cost of injuries and fatalities and the criminal justice service costs associated with prosecuting deliberate fire starters.

The total cost of arson in the in 2004 was estimated at £2.44bn, which includes an allocation the total costs incurred in anticipation of fire. Following this the average cost of fire in a commercial building is estimated at £43,800, of which the cost of fire damage to property represents £27,700.

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