Scottish house fire numbers decrease but number of fatalities rises
Recent figures have shown that the number of house fires in Scotland has dropped to its lowest level in over 10 years. Sadly, although this figure has dropped, there has been a 10% rise in deaths.
Figures show that 57 people died in fires in 2011-12, compared with 52 in 2010-11. Around 45% of these fatal house fires were caused by matches and smoker materials and cooking appliances were responsible for 58% of all accidental house fires.
17% of these accidental house fires were thought to have been connected to drink or drugs.
A particularly shocking statistic is that in nearly 50% of house fires in 2010-11 there was either no smoke alarm, or the smoke alarm did not work.
Community safety minister, Roseanna Cunningham said: “It is thanks to the work of fire and rescue services – which I have seen fantastic examples of in schools, workplaces and communities – that house fires are continuing to decrease across Scotland and lives are being saved. It is a tragedy however that lives continue to be lost to fire every year. Every death is devastating and underlines that we all need to be on our guard against the risks. Once again, alcohol and/or drugs were suspected to have been a factor in at least one in six accidental house fires. Although other key figures in this publication indicate an improving awareness of the danger of fire in our homes, this underlines that a link remains between alcohol, drug use and fire. The most important message we can give is not to be complacent and always be on your guard. We also urge you to get a smoke alarm and check it regularly to ensure it is in working order.”
David McLetchie, Scottish Conservative community safety spokesman said: “The news that house fires in Scotland are at their lowest in a decade is a testament to the hard work of officers in raising awareness of fire prevention in Scotland’s communities. However, it’s of great concern that a greater percentage of fires in people’s homes are involving alcohol or drugs. Equally worrying is that fatality and casualty rates in Scotland remain considerably higher than the rest of the UK.”
English and Welsh statistics are not yet available for comparison.