A fifth of kids under 10 killed in accidents in BC died in a fire: report
Posted March 15, 2016 11:08 am.
Last Updated March 15, 2016 6:24 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – A “Death Review Panel” tasked by the BC Coroners Service to look into residential fires in this province has made some alarming findings.
It says a fifth of kids under 10 who were killed in accidents in BC between 2005 and 2014 died in a fire.
The report also finds substandard and overcrowded housing, a lower level of child supervision and a home environment where smoking is present are contributing to the risk factor.
Michael Egilson, who is on the child death review panel, says young kids are more likely to play with fire and they don’t recognize the dangers. He says the majority of these cases can be prevented.
“Appropriate disposal of smoking materials, keeping lighters and matches out of the reach of young children, and ensuring that smoke alarms are in place and working.”
Looking at 22 fire incidents in that same nine-year range, the panel found four were started by kids under the age of 10 playing with matches or a lighter.
The panel urges more fire safety education, fire prevention, and better data collection on fire deaths.
