House fires spark safety calls
Firefighters have released a stark safety warning after a rise in house blazes.
There have been a spate of accidental fires in council properties in Ayr’s Mill Street, Troon and other areas.
Several flats have been left completely ruined leaving families homeless.
Ayr Station Manager Greig Fleming said: “There has been a spike in domestic house fires.
“We want to stop fires before they start. Fires within the home can be terrifying and they also have the potential to be tragic. People can lose their homes and all their belongings, which is very traumatic.
“That is why we are reminding residents that we are available to assist them to stay safe within the home and we are always particularly keen to support the most vulnerable members of our communities.”
Crews have also battled fires in communal closes, which were likely started deliberately with rubbish and other materials.
Station manager Fleming said a burning bag of rubbish can release toxic smoke.
He has advised that storage areas are locked and rubbish or old furniture removed from the vicinity of buildings.
Fire crews have joined forces with South Ayrshire Council to issue the safety advice - urging people to install smoke detectors in the home.
Claire Monaghan, council head of communities said: “We are lucky that nobody was seriously hurt in these fires, but possessions have been destroyed and the families involved have experienced one of their worst nightmares.”