Shock new figures have revealed deaths from fires doubled during lockdown.
Fifty three blaze fatalities were recorded last year - an increase of 26 from 2019.
Labour MSP Pauline McNeill said: “With 53 people losing their lives in house fires last year, it is clear that much more needs to be done to keep people safe in their own homes.”
Chief fire officer Martin Blunden last year linked a spike in the number of deaths to people spending more time at home during the pandemic.
At that point sixteen people had died in house fires during a three month period, an increase from eight.
Fresh statistics show that the full year figure for 2020/21 is 53, whereas in the previous twelve months the number was only 27.
Of the 53, 46 related to houses and a further seven were linked to “non dwelling” property.
It is also higher than the 45 fatalities in 2018 and 44 from the year before.
McNeill said: “Yesterday was the anniversary of the Grenfell fire tragedy. This stark reminder should serve to highlight the danger that poor housing or dangerous cladding can pose to people.
“That’s why Scottish Labour is committed to fighting for good, safe housing for all and proper resourcing for our fire service to keep the people of Scotland safe.
“I will be writing to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to learn what impact the pandemic has had and what more can be done to prevent further deaths.”
Stuart Stevens, Assistant Chief Officer of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, said:
“One death because of a fire in the home is one too many and in the last year we have sadly seen an increase in comparison to the previous year.
“The greatest challenge for us has always been reaching the most vulnerable people in our communities, and we have continued to strive throughout the Covid-19 pandemic to make sure that they have the life-saving advice and support that they need.
He added: “That is why we launched our national Make the Call campaign, actively encouraging families, neighbours and carers to help us reach those in their lives who may be at risk from a fire in the home. We will then carry out a Home Fire Safety Visit, where Covid-19 restrictions allow, or offer advice and guidance to help them stay safe.”
