Fire Deaths UK: Annual Statistics and Trends (2026)

England recorded 254 fire-related deaths in 2025/26, fewer than in the previous year. Annual totals fluctuate, but remain substantially below those recorded several decades ago. This guide uses official MHCLG statistics to explain where deaths occurred, the ages of those who died and the role of smoke alarms. These figures cover England, rather than the whole UK.

Updated 15 October 2026. Fire statistics cover England, 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026, unless a historical comparison is stated. Household smoke-alarm ownership is from the 2024/25 English Housing Survey.

Key facts and figures

254 fire-related fatalities were recorded in England in 2025/26, down 9.3% from the previous year.
72% of fatalities occurred in dwelling fires: 184 deaths in England in 2025/26.
40% of those who died in England in 2025/26 were aged 65 or over: 102 people.
78 deaths (31%) were attributed to burns, the largest single recorded cause in England in 2025/26.
156 men and 92 women died in fires in England in 2025/26; gender was unknown for six people.
47 people aged 80 or over died in fires in England in 2025/26.

Fire deaths in the UK: the latest figures

There were 254 fire-related fatalities in England in 2025/26, down 9.3% from the revised 280 in 2024/25. The latest total was 7.6% above the 236 recorded five years earlier, in 2020/21, and 17% below the 305 recorded in 2015/16.

A single annual change should be read alongside the longer series. Relatively small numbers and incidents involving several deaths can affect year-to-year comparisons. The latest figures do not show a continuing annual rise.

How the UK counts fire deaths

In these England statistics, a fire-related fatality is a death that would not otherwise have occurred without the fire. This can include direct or indirect injury and subsequent deaths attributable to the incident; the definition has no 30-day cutoff.

Coroners' findings and later information can change how deaths are recorded. The figures are subject to revision, so comparisons here use the latest published values for both the current and earlier years.

Where people die in fires

Dwelling fires accounted for 184 deaths, or 72% of England's fire-related fatalities in 2025/26. Other-building fires accounted for 17, road vehicle fires for 37 and other outdoor fires for 16.

The other-building category includes workplaces and commercial premises, as well as other non-residential buildings. Its 17 fatalities should not be described as deaths solely in workplaces. Different occupancy patterns and fire risks also make direct comparisons between building categories difficult.

Who dies in fires: demographics

People aged 65 and over accounted for 102 of the 254 fatalities (40%): 55 were aged 65–79 and 47 were aged 80 or over. The recorded age was unspecified for 27 fatalities. These are counts and shares of deaths, rather than population-based risk rates.

There were 156 male and 92 female fatalities, with gender unknown for six people. Prevention and escape plans should take account of individual needs, including mobility, hearing, awareness and any assistance needed to leave safely.

Measure (England, 2025/26 unless stated)	Figure
Fire-related fatalities	254
Previous year: 2024/25, revised	280
Fatalities in dwelling fires	184 (72%)
Fatalities in other-building fires	17
Fatalities attributed to gas or smoke	77 (30%)
Male and female fatalities	156 and 92
Fatalities aged 80 or over	47

How people die: cause of death

Burns were the largest single recorded cause of fire-related death in 2025/26, with 78 fatalities (31%). Being overcome by gas or smoke accounted for 77 (30%), while 48 (19%) involved both burns and gas or smoke. There were 11 deaths in other categories and 40 with the cause unspecified.

Both heat and smoke can be life-threatening. Early warning, clear escape routes and an evacuation plan suited to the occupants help people leave before conditions deteriorate.

The role of smoke alarms

In the 2024/25 English Housing Survey, 93% of households self-reported a working smoke alarm. In the separate 2025/26 fire records, alarms were absent in 6,026 of 26,180 dwelling fires (23%); those fires accounted for 44 of the 184 dwelling fatalities (24%).

Alarms were present and raised the alarm in 12,519 dwelling fires (48%). Fires in that category accounted for 69 dwelling fatalities (38% of fatalities, not 38% of fatal incidents). Fire and rescue services also completed 589,278 home fire safety visits in England in 2025/26.

Smoking materials and fire prevention

Smoking materials can ignite bedding, clothing and upholstered furniture. Avoid smoking in bed, extinguish cigarettes fully and use a stable ashtray. A fire safety assessment should consider smoking alongside the person's ability to recognise danger and escape.

The long-term trend

A consistent England series shows the scale of the longer-term change. The figures below use financial years throughout.

1981/82: 755 fire-related fatalities in England.
2001/02: 458 fatalities.
2011/12: 313 fatalities.
2020/21: 236 fatalities.
2025/26: 254 fatalities, compared with 280 in 2024/25.

The long-term fall does not remove the need for prevention. Working detection, suitable fire precautions and support for people who may need help to escape remain relevant, even in years when the national total falls.

Fire deaths in context: prevention

For employers, practical priorities include a suitable fire risk assessment, maintained fire precautions, clear escape routes and staff who understand the emergency plan. At home, test alarms as advised, plan how to get out and seek a home fire safety visit where additional support is needed.

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Sources & references

Mark McShane

Fire Safety Training Specialist, Online CPD Academy

Mark writes about workplace fire safety, compliance and online training for Fire Marshal Training, part of Online CPD Academy.