Winter warning as festive fire risks grow

Christmas lights, decs and candles are blaze hazards

Perth and Kinross residents are being reminded to be wary of a heightened risk of accidental fires this festive winter season.

It comes after a breakdown of figures from Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) showed that there were 35 accidental dwelling fires (ADFs) in Perth and Kinross, Angus and Dundee from December 9, 2019 to January 13, 2020.

A total of 446 homes in Scotland were affected by accidental fires in this period, which sadly claimed the lives of six people and resulted in 56 casualties.

The service pinpoints that an increased use of heating and electricity over the colder months combined with festive lights, trees, decorations, and candles can heighten the risk of a fire potentially breaking out.

The service’s Make The Call campaign was launched earlier this year and appealed directly to the family, friends, and neighbours of those who are most at risk of fire to get in touch with SFRS on their behalf to request a free home fire safety visit by calling 0800 0731 999.

Deputy assistant chief officer Ali Perry is the SFRS’ head of prevention and protection and said: “Every year we see an increase in the risk of fire in the home during the festive season and we want to support families across Scotland to stay safe at this time of year.

“One death because of a fire in the home is one too many and the aftermath of a fire can be absolutely devastating for those affected.

“That’s why we are reaching out to every community in Scotland this winter - please follow our advice and guidance to help us keep you safe and help us reach the most vulnerable and elderly people in our society.”

Communities are being asked to follow SFRS’s safety advice which is widely available on the service’s website or social media channels under the hashtag #SaferWinter2020

Perry also advised: “By just taking a few essential steps you can massively reduce the risk of a fire in your house.

“If you can’t get online, then get in touch with us through your local station who will be more than happy to offer help and guidance.

“We want everyone to remember this Christmas and New Year for all the right reasons.

“Taking a few minutes to look at our advice and identify the hazards in your own home can help keep you and those around you safe.”

Community safety minister Ash Denham said: “Please keep yourself and others safe over the festive period and follow the advice of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and act responsibly.

“I would urge people to Make the Call to SFRS if they think someone is particularly vulnerable and requires support to stay safe from fire within the home.”

Visit www.firescotland.gov.uk/yoursafety/make-the-call.aspx for more information on SFRS’ Make the Call campaign.

For more advice on how to keep homes safe from fire during the festive season visit www.firescotland.gov.uk/yoursafety/festive-safety.aspx