However, the reality is that being under the influence of alcohol can greatly increase the risk of fire breaking out, as the effects of alcohol can make us more uncoordinated, uninhibited and less vigilant. Just one act of carelessness when smoking or cooking food has the potential to result in someone losing their home, their possessions or ultimately, their life.

Alcohol continues to be the single greatest contributory factor to people dying in accidental house fires in Scotland. Last year alone, 24 people lost their lives in alcohol-related fires, the most common cause being the careless use of cigarettes, matches and lighters or misuse of cooking appliances.

The advice is clear – don’t get so drunk that you can’t take care of yourself, your family or your home. In a bid to reduce the number of accidental alcohol related fires, people are being advised to:

• Buy food on the way back from the pub, rather than attempting to cook when they get home
• Make sure all cigarettes are properly extinguished before they go to sleep
• Ensure they have a working smoke alarm installed as this will greatly increase the chances of escaping if fire breaks out in the home

Anyone who is concerned over the safety of their home should contact their local fire and rescue service for confidential advice and information or text FIRE to 61611 to request a free home safety check.

If you’re concerned about your own or someone else’s drinking, contact Alcohol Focus Scotland on 0141 572 6700 or log on to www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk for information, advice and details of the agency nearest to you.

Paul Lennie, a 47-year old from Govanhill in Glasgow, experienced the devastating effects of fire after returning home from a night out last March. His flat, which he had lived in for over 20 years, and all his belongings were destroyed by an extensive blaze which started in the living room. Following investigation by fire officials, the official report concluded that the fire was accidental and a discarded cigarette was the cause.

Mr Lennie said: "I had been out for the night and returned to my flat with my pal where we sat up till around 3am. I then went to bed and woke to the smell of burning. As I walked down the stairs, I noticed smoke belching out from under the living room door and soon realised that my house was exploding around me. We were lucky to escape with no injuries, but the fire left me with nothing as I wasn’t properly insured. I didn’t know what had caused the fire as I’d been drinking at the time, but the effects were completely devastating and the accident has had a huge impact on my life."