Almost 75% of fires are arsons

Figures show that 3% of firefighters in Wales are women

New figures have shown that almost three-quarters of all blazes attended by firefighters in Wales in the period 2007-08 were started deliberately.

There were also 31 deaths due to fire during the year.

The figures from the Local Government Data Unit have been collated to give the public a snapshot of the challenges facing firefighters in Wales.

Local Government Minister Dr Brian Gibbons said the figures would help the public hold fire services to account.

Firefighters attended 24,631 blazes across Wales in the 2007-08 period and 73% had been started on purpose, the Local Government Data Unit found.

The deaths amounted to one per 100,000 population.

The figures also showed that 3% of the 3,611 firefighters in Wales on 31 March 2008 were women.

It will enhance the ability of citizens to hold their fire and rescue service to account Dr Brian Gibbons, Local Government Minister

The data unit is an independent body responsible for collecting and passing-on statistical information.

The assembly government has set a service standard to identify homes that could, in ideal conditions, be reached within 10 minutes.

Both Mid and West Wales and South Wales Fire and Rescue Services reported that they attended over 90% of such fires within 10 minutes.

Dr Gibbons said the release of the figures was an important step in bringing performance management in fire and rescue authorities in line with local authorities.

"It will enhance the ability of citizens to hold their fire and rescue service to account," he said.

Monitor improvement

"In future years this data will enable fire and rescue authorities to examine their own performance over time so that they can demonstrate continuous improvement in the services they provide as well as draw meaningful comparisons with other public sector organisations in Wales.

"This is the first time that these performance indicators will be reported against and the data represents a firm baseline that fire and rescue authorities in Wales can monitor their improvement against in future years."

A Welsh Assembly Government spokesman said it is working in partnership with fire and rescue authorities to reduce incidents of arson and other deliberate fires.

"Current initiatives include the Wales Arson Reduction Strategy which focuses attention on the main arson problems in Wales, such as grass and mountain fires which cause such widespread destruction to flora and fauna and disruption to communities, " said the spokesman.

"The assembly government is also providing funding of over £2.5m up to 2011 to continue the work of arson reduction teams in Wales."