Operating smoke alarms have been the biggest factor in the majority of dwelling fires being “low severity” in Angus.
Of the 30 accidental dwelling fires in Angus between July and September, 80% of the properties had smoke alarms fitted.
The fire service has delivered more than 1,100 home fire safety visits in Angus and in one case in Forfar a fire alarm was installed the day before a kitchen fire at the house.
There were no fatalities as a result of fires over the three month period covered by the fire service’s latest performance report.
The report states: “The majority of accidental dwelling fires reported during the second quarter were already extinguished on arrival of the fire service, or the firefighting intervention and damage was of a very limited extent.
“Cooking continues to be the most common cause of these accidental dwelling fires, with careless use/disposal being the second most common cause of fire.
“The wards of Arbroath East and Lunan and Kirriemuir and Dean exhibited the biggest increase in accidental dwelling fires when compared to the last quarter, whilst some other wards experienced reductions (Arbroath West and Letham, and Monifieth and Sidlaw).
“Of the 30 accidental dwelling fires, 80% of the properties had smoke alarms fitted and 75% of these operated.
“The early detection and warning given by those detectors that operate are key factors contributing to the majority of accidental dwelling fires being of such low severity.”
The total number of fire casualties for the first six months of 2016/17 is 20 per cent lower than five-year average for the same period.
Local senior officer for Angus Colin Grieve said the programme of home safety visits was part of a vision to have no fire fatalities and casualties in Scotland.
Local fire officers work in partnership with Angus Council, Police Scotland, NHS, Voluntary Action Angus, Housing associations and local landlords with the aim of reducing fire injuries.
He said: “We have increased our delivery of Home Fire Safety Visits with a continued focus on delivering these in the homes of people who are most vulnerable.”
“Partnership working and the delivery of home fire safety visits are both key areas in reducing the number of accidental house fires.
“Crews regularly visit houses and provide free Home Fire Safety Visits which helps to reduce the number of casualties through early detection and intervention. That is instrumental in contributing to safer communities.”
He also warned that house fires and casualties are known to increase during winter, with a high risk over the festive period.
“As part of our winter and festive safety action plan, crews will be out in the Angus communities educating people to take extra care when cooking and using portable heaters and electric blankets,” he added.
“We would also urge you to check on elderly relatives and friends through this cold winter.”
Anyone can request a free home fire safety visit in Angus and people can request that a smoke alarm is fitted free of charge.
