In 80% of the 2,173 incidents recorded in the survey, fire extinguishers successfully dealt with the fire and in 75% of those cases, the fire brigade was not required to attend.

The survey demonstrates the important role that portable fire extinguishers play in the preservation of life and property. In the majority of incidents when a fire has started, fire extinguishers are sought out and are generally the first form of fire -fighting on the scene. Therefore it is equally vital that those extinguishers are well installed and maintained.