House fire deaths at record low

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The number of house fire deaths in the UK has fallen to its lowest level since records began, official figures show.

Housing fire deaths fell to 342, down 9% in the 12 months to 30 September 2006, according to Department for Communities and Local Government.

Meanwhile, fires occurring in buildings or vehicles fell by 5% to their lowest level since 1985.

But grassland fires rose by more than a third, thanks to July 2006 being the hottest July on record.

'Awareness campaigns'

Fire Minister Parmjit Dhanda said the figures were "a testament to the excellent work of the Fire and Rescue Service (FRS)."

But he warned against complacency, saying "we will continue to work with the FRS on awareness campaigns targeting the most vulnerable people and at times when fire risk is higher - for example at Christmas."

The FRS attended 876,300 fire and false alarm incidents in the period - a slight increase on the previous 12 months.

But attendances at false alarms dropped, including a 15% fall in attendances as a result of malicious calls.