Deaths and injuries from fires in Sussex have risen in the past year despite a massive fall in the number of blazes.
Figures from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) reveal a 22 per cent fall in the number of fires attended in East Sussex and a 23 per cent decline in West Sussex.
But the number of fire-related injuries rose over the same period, between 2003 and 2004, by one per cent in East Sussex and six per cent in West Sussex.
The rise, from 185 to 187 in East Sussex and from 153 to 162 in West Sussex, comes despite a national decline in fire-related injuries of seven per cent.
Fatalities rose from six to 13 in both East and West Sussex, while nationally deaths dropped from 593 to 532 - the lowest number since 1960.
The total number of fires fell from 5,394 to 4,228 in East Sussex and from 4,747 to 3,678 in West Sussex.
Nationally, the ODPM recorded a 19 per cent fall in fire call outs to 890,000 in 2004 and a seven per cent decline in non-fatal casualties to 14,398.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article