Firefighters in Kirklees are responding to 60% fewer callouts than a decade ago.

And the number of arson attacks has also dropped by a huge number.

Figures released by West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service show the total number of all calls - which includes false alarms and road traffic collisions - has plummeted from 8,600 in 2003/4 to 3,438 in the year ending April 2014.

Over in Calderdale the number of calls to the brigade has also dropped with a 54% reduction from 4,369 to 1,980.

The Kirklees figures breakdown further reveals that the number of deliberate fires attended has dropped by 79% from 3,448 to 663.

Accidental fires calls have also fallen by 64% and road traffic collisions by 16%

Both areas are in line with a national trend but at more rapid rate with the reduction attributed to in a a decline in smokers, awareness of chip pan fires and new legislation.

Area Manager Ian Bitcon, Senior Fire Safety Officer, said: “While nationally the number of fires are falling, we are experiencing a more rapid drop in West Yorkshire. This is due to a number of reasons such as new legislation and the fall in the number of smokers and chip pan owners.

“It is essential that we recognise the vital prevention work carried out by firefighters and safety officers in conjunction with partners, and that the public of West Yorkshire who have been very receptive.

“Our staff and partners have made a real difference in terms of making West Yorkshire safer.”

Mr Bitcon added that during the past 10 years, the West Yorkshire brigade has increased its efforts in fire prevention through better targeting home fire safety checks and working with young people who have a history of starting fires.

Clr Judith Hughes, the newly-appointed chair of West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority, added: “West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service has been a leading player in prevention work and officers are to be commended on their commitment to keeping the residents in West Yorkshire safe.

“The figures prove that partnership working and involving communication with the public has made West Yorkshire safer.”

A free Home Fire Safety Check can be booked online via the brigade website, www.westyorksfire.gov.uk or by calling 0800 5874536.