Scottish fire and rescue services aiming to prevent house fire

Carers, families and friends of people who are at risk of serious injury or even death because of an accidental fire in the home are being asked to help put local firefighters in touch with them.

This follows several accidental dwelling fires across both South and North Ayrshire.

In South Ayrshire, 73 homes were affected by accidental dwelling fires between April 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021 and 136 homes in North Ayrshire were affected during the same period.

Area Commander Ian McMeekin is the local senior officer for East, North and South Ayrshire.

He said: “All too often the fires we attend in homes are completely preventable with some advice and guidance.

“We also know what type of person is most at risk from an accidental fire in the home, but we don’t know who or where they are - that is why we are asking our communities to help us reach these people who are most at risk.

“The greatest challenge for us has always been reaching the most vulnerable people in our communities to make sure they have the potentially life-saving advice and support that they need.”

Area Commander Ian McMeekin

The latest statistics also show that people who are over the age of 50, smoke and either have mobility issues, live alone, or use medical oxygen are most at risk of injury in a fire in the home.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is appealing to people across Scotland to Make the Call and help save a life, by considering home fire safety when checking in on vulnerable neighbours, patients, friends and family members during lockdown and to put them in touch with SFRS using the free Home Fire Safety Visit phoneline or by contacting their local fire station for advice.

AC Ian McMeekin added: “All too often the fires we attend in homes are completely preventable with some advice and guidance.

“We also know what type of person is most at risk from an accidental fire in the home, but we don’t know who or where they are - that is why we are asking our communities to help us reach these people who are most at risk.

“The greatest challenge for us has always been reaching the most vulnerable people in our communities to make sure they have the potentially life-saving advice and support that they need.”

The Make the Call campaign was launched by SFRS last year during the first lockdown encouraging people to get in touch with the service on behalf of and with the permission of people in their lives who may be at risk, or to look at fire safety in that person’s home using the Service’s free online Home Fire Safety Checker.

You can find more about Make the Call here.

AC McMeekin said: “If you know someone who is over 50 and smokes and lives alone, has mobility issues or uses medical oxygen– we need you to help us reach them.

“Make the call to us and we can ensure that the people who may be at risk get the fire safety advice and support that they need to help them stay safe in the home during the coronavirus pandemic and beyond.”

The Make the Call campaign was launched by SFRS last year

However, more than 48 per cent of all dwelling fire incidents in the area were cooking related, and AC McMeekin says that everyone can take steps to stay safe at home and that anyone can request a Home Fire Safety Visit.

AC McMeekin continued: “Cooking remains the number one cause of house fires and often alcohol is a contributing factor.

“Consider making something beforehand and have it prepared or wait until you are no longer affected by alcohol.

“We have some fantastic tips and advice on our website and once again our crews are happy to offer advice and guidance as part of a Home Fire Safety Visit or use our online safety checker.”

You can use SFRS’s free online Home Fire Safety Checker here.