Hemel Hempstead among areas of Hertfordshire where most fires occur
Hemel Hempstead is among the areas of Hertfordshire with most fires, according to a map which shows the concentration of blazes at properties in the county during a five-year period.
The map from Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) is based on Ordnance Survey data showing domestic blazes from April 2020 to March 2025.
The image forms part of the force’s Operation Cover Review, to be presented to the county council’s public health and community safety cabinet panel on Thursday, June 4.
Unsurprisingly Hemel Hempstead, Watford, St Albans and Stevenage have some of the highest concentrations of fires, while spots such as Buntingford and the east of the county are much more sparse.
The report states: “House fires are generally easier to locate than some other types of emergencies and often occur near our fire stations. Because fires can develop quickly, reaching them promptly helps reduce harm and damage.”
The data shows urban areas make up just over 32 per cent of Hertfordshire, with almost 89 per cent of residents, and are typically the densest spots for house fires. Luckily, they are also heavily represented among HFRS’s 29 fire stations.
Despite the map’s emphasis on urban fires, the force states: “Hertfordshire faces a range of seasonal risks - such as heatwaves, floodings and wildfires - that require scalable emergency response.
“These incidents can often occur in rural or semi-rural areas, where access can be challenging and traditional fire engines may not be the most effective resource.”
The force’s specialist capabilities for complex incidents include wildfire units, a high volume pump, command support units for multi-agency responses and a rescue support unit.
Elsewhere, the document reveals HFRS employs over 700 staff and the annual cost of a firefighter is £23.32 per person, compared with the national average of £25.22.
It states: “We operate 29 fire stations, a dedicated training centre and our headquarters in Stevenage.
“Our team includes over 700 professionals - firefighters, control room staff, prevention and protection specialists, and support personnel - all committed to delivering high-quality emergency response and community safety.”
Hertfordshire boasts an average incident rate of two fires per 1,000 people, compared to a national average of 2.7 fires per 1,000. Elsewhere, false fire alarms occur at a rate of 3.7 per 1,000 people against a UK average of 3.8.
The review adds: “Hertfordshire is a county that continues to grow and evolve - with changes in population, infrastructure and economic activity creating new opportunities, challenges and risks.
“To meet these demands we must regularly assess how our resources are deployed and ensure our service remains responsive, resilient and focused on safety.
“While responding to emergencies is a core part of our role, keeping people safe also means investing in our workforce, equipment, and prevention and protection activities. It’s about ensuring our teams are well prepared and our communities are supported to reduce the likelihood and impact of incidents.
“The last review of our fire cover arrangements covered the period up to 2023. Now, 24 months into our latest CRMP cycle, we have a timely opportunity to assess how well these arrangements continue to support our strategic priorities and response to emerging risks.”