Ayrshire communities are being urged to help stop preventable house fires following over 200 accidental blazes across North and South of the region.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is appealing to carers, families and friends of people who are at risk of serious injury or even death due to an accidental fire in the home to make a five-minute phone call and help save a life.
SFRS are asking people to consider home fire safety when checking in on vulnerable neighbours, patients, friends and family members and put them in touch with SFRS using the free Home Fire Safety Visit phoneline or by contacting their local fire station for advice.
Recent figures highlighted 209 accidental dwelling fires across both South and North Ayrshire.
In South Ayrshire, 73 homes were affected by accidental dwelling fires between April 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021, and 136 homes in North Ayrshire were affected during the same period.
The latest statistics also show that people who are over the age of 50, smoke and either have mobility issues, live alone, or use medical oxygen are most at risk of injury in a fire in the home.
Area Commander Ian McMeekin, the local senior officer for East, North and South Ayrshire, said: “All too often the fires we attend in homes are completely preventable with some advice and guidance.
“We also know what type of person is most at risk from an accidental fire in the home, but we don’t know who or where they are - that is why we are asking our communities to help us reach these people who are most at risk.
“The greatest challenge for us has always been reaching the most vulnerable people in our communities to make sure they have the potentially life-saving advice and support that they need.
“If you know someone who is over 50 and smokes and lives alone, has mobility issues or uses medical oxygen – we need you to help us reach them.”
More than 48 per cent of all dwelling fire incidents in the area were cooking related, but AC McMeekin says that everyone can take steps to stay safe at home and that anyone can request a home fire safety visit.
He added: “Cooking remains the number one cause of house fires and often alcohol is a contributing factor.
“Consider making something beforehand and have it prepared or wait until you are no longer affected by alcohol.
“We have some fantastic tips and advice on our website and once again our crews are happy to offer advice and guidance as part of a home fire safety visit or use our online safety checker.”
For more information about Make the Call, and to use SFRS’s free online home fire safety checker, click here
Get in touch with SFRS by calling free on 0800 0731 999, text “FIRE” to 80800 from your mobile phone, complete the online form or call your local fire station.
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