Understanding ethnicity and residential fires from the perspective of cultural values and practices: A case study of Leicester, United Kingdom

The Grenfell Tower and Lakanal House fires in London 2017 2009 highlighted how these devasting events mainly affected people from ethnic minorities. While many studies have explored the role of socio-demographic variables residential fires, ethnicity or race received only marginal research attention. To redress this imbalance, paper specifically addresses rate severity relation to ethnicity. that end, study conceptualises a novel way—not as an individual variable but community perspective, focusing on cultural norms practices relate fire incidents. As well data Leicestershire Fire Rescue Service National Census, draws collected representative survey structure risk behaviour Leicestershire. findings reveal trust personal relationships are fundamental information sharing within community. This highly form knowledge acquisition is not matched by rescue service's more anonymous information-driven approach. highlight need for person-centred approach safety ensure interventions vulnerable neighbourhoods communities can contribute effectively reductions fires.