Positive figures highlighted in Fife fire performance report

A significant fall in the number of accidental dwelling fires in the area has been welcomed by Fife’s safer communities committee.

The latest Fife performance figures showed that there were nine fewer accidental house fires in the region between April and September this year than last year, with 112 incidents recorded for 2016.

There were also 3,144 home fire safety visits delivered across Fife from April to September 2016 – meaning the service was 26% above target.

There was positive news on the subject of deliberate fires too, where figures show a continued reduction from the previous year.

However, local senior officer Iain Vincent revealed that there was a rise in the number of road traffic collisions attended over the period, with 91 this year compared to 72 last year.

“The rise is attributed to a change in the way the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) are mobilised to these incidents,” he explained.

“We will continue our contribution towards improving road safety through education in a bid to reduce these types of incidents.

“We remain a key partner in events which aim to improve driver behaviour and enhance the safety of young people and road users respectively.”

Overall, non-fire related incidents – including road traffic collisions, flooding and medical assistance – were attributed to 25% of all callouts in Fife over the quarter.

Councillor Margaret Kennedy, who chairs Fife Council’s safer communities committee, concluded: “This is a very positive update on the sterling work carried out by our fire service colleagues.”