Effect of three lockdowns in London: Case study for residential fires.

Objectives: The effect of lockdown periods on the number of residential fires was investigated based on three factors: the weekly change in the number of residential fires, the time of the day of residential fires, and the notional cost associated with residential fires.

Study Design: observational study.

Methods: Analysis from Open Data Source. A new index was introduced and the weekly change during the lockdown periods was investigated to accommodate the seasonal differences in the number of residential fires.

Results: From the index change, the number of residential fires increased at the beginning of each lockdown period. The timing of residential fires shifted during the day.

Conclusions: These changes were associated with meal preparation or mealtimes. Adjustment to lockdowns as the global pandemic dragged on, such as changes to mealtimes, and getting used to lockdown life, are believed to be responsible for these changes.