Work

The use of machine learning for accidental dwelling fire prevention

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: In this article the use of machine learning for fire prevention support is examined over the period 2010 to 2024 based on a case study in a fire and rescue service in Northwest England. Machine learning was used to develop a multiple linear regression model of accidental dwelling fire risk at the Lower Super Output Area of geography. This was enhanced by using machine learning to develop a k-means cluster analysis model of communities at the finer grained Output Area level. Over the study period the percentage decrease in accidental dwelling fires in the area studied was 44.2 % compared to a decrease of 27.5 % in England as a whole which appeared to indicate that the more precise targeting of fire prevention resulting from statistical models using machine learning had a positive effect on the effectiveness of fire prevention activities.

Source: Fire Safety Journal

DOI: 10.1016/j.firesaf.2025.104510