Fire chief issues festive safety alert
Renfrewshire residents have been warned to stay safe this Christmas after it was revealed firefighters tackled more than 500 blazes across the county over the festive period last year.
Stark figures released by The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) show crews raced to 509 house fires between December 10 and January 14.
The numbers also revealed that of the 91 people who sadly became a casualty of fires, 37 were aged 60 or over.
The festive period is traditionally one of the busiest times of year for
SFRS and its partners – with the increase in accidental house fires during the period typically caused by a higher use of heating and electrical appliances – as well as higher alcohol consumption, decorations and the traditional use of candles also playing a role.
Assistant chief officer Ross Haggart is the SFRS director of prevention and protection.
He said:“Ultimately, we want people to remember the festive period for all the right reasons.
“When our firefighters have to attend a fire in someone’s house at Christmas time, and we enter a house which is burning but full of Christmas presents and decorations, it’s heartbreaking.
“But unfortunately, the festive period sees potentially deadly combinations come together – increased use of electricity, drinking alcohol and cooking, decorations being put up near heat sources.
“It’s all too easy to think that it will never happen to you but it can.
“That’s why we are appealing to communities across Scotland – don’t let Christmas end, or your new year start, with tragedy.”
He added:“I would directly appeal to people to check if their elderly relatives, neighbours or friends are in need of our support and to contact us.
“Home fire safety visits are a key pillar of our prevention work that help safeguard the public – especially vulnerable residents.”
Cooking remains the number one cause of fires in the home in Scotland, with alcohol a top contributing factor.
During the festive period, the SFRS traditionally sees a rise in incidents related to cooking while someone is under the influence of alcohol.
Haggart said:“When it comes to celebrating and marking the occasion – please do not drink, then attempt to cook.”