Same problem. They were good at making up rhymes about calling the Fire Brigade out and getting out etc.
Sadly I have seen carnage caused by a small fire that could easily be extinguished by someone capable of operating a milling machine and lathe and a simple bit of training along with the foresight to buy an extinguisher.
BUT my suggestion scheme entry to provide free on-site training (whilst we were on call and doing local topography reconasance) was deemed to lack value.
An old fireman mate of mine said that nearly all fires start very small. A bit of very basic knowledge can save many lives.